The Benefits of Yoga Nidra: Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief
Not all yoga practices involve bending and wrapping like a pretzel, or doing advanced acrobatics. Some practices, such as Hatha yoga, are a little slower than others; some are more structured like Ashtanga and finally some are less about the movement itself, and more focused on relaxation and restoration, such as Yoga Nidra.
In this blogpost we explore the different benefits of yoga nidra, how it differs from other types of yoga, and why it is your secret weapon to unlocking deep relaxation and stress relief.
So what is yoga nidra?
Yoga nidra, or sometimes called Yogic sleep, is a form of guided meditation that involves very little, if any, movement. It is usually practised lying down (either on a mat, a blanket or a comfortable place), and involves finding a balance between being awake whilst also relaxing deeply to an almost sleep level - this state is sometimes referred to as conscious awareness of sleep.
The class or session tends to be guided by a yoga teacher and is about turning our attention inwards, focusing on our sense of self, our mental state, our desires, and our emotions. As simple as it sounds, practising yoga nidra can stir up emotions and thoughts that might’ve been buried for a while, it can be quite a releasing and relaxing experience.
Sessions usually last 30-45 minutes but at home practices can be as long or as short as you’d like. There are studios that offer yoga nidra classes, but you can also find scripts and guided classes on youtube if you'd rather practise at home.
Yoga Nidra, benefits and Mental Health
The benefits of yoga nidra are many, from providing a moment of calm to rest from everyday life, to increasing endorphins and reducing both stress and anxiety. It is helpful for those suffering from sleep issues or struggling to let go, but it is especially beneficial for those with anxiety and depression as the body scans and breath awareness can provide a new way to release tensions.
The time spent reflecting on yourself, becoming aware of your feelings, thoughts, and needs, can help create a confidence building moment, empowering you to attain your goals and allowing you to see a clearer picture of the route ahead of you.
For those with sleep issues, yoga nidra can help activate the pineal gland, whose job it is to secrete the hormone melatonin, helping regulate your circadian rhythm and leading to better sleep over time.
Yoga nidra vs Meditation
Yoga nidra and meditation are quite similar, but vary in specific points. Whilst they both require you to quieten the mind and lose yourself in the moment, meditation usually tends to be a completely conscious exercise. On the other hand, yoga nidra takes place in a different mental plane, between consciousness and sleep, and can therefore work your mind in different ways.
Additionally, meditation tends to be more of a channelling and intentional activity for your mind, i.e. you aim your attention specifically at something you want to follow. Whilst in yoga nidra is more of an exploration mission, guided by your teacher’s voice. The differences are minimal, but the experience can be entirely different.
As a powerful practice, Yoga Nidra provides deep relaxation and stress relief for the mind, body, and spirit. By guiding you into a state of conscious sleep, it can facilitate deep healing and restore your energy levels. It can also help dissolve tension, anxiety, and fatigue, allowing you to experience a profound sense of calm and inner peace, and promoting emotional balance.
So why not give it a go and incorporate this transformative practice into your self-care routine? Embrace the magic of Yoga Nidra and embark on a journey of profound relaxation and self-discovery.
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