Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that induces a state of consciousness known as yogic sleep. It’s also commonly known as conscious sleep, which simply means it’s a type of sleep in which you are aware of your surroundings and your consciousness remains with you even though you are sleeping. Removing the stress, anxiety, and other negative thoughts from your psyche is the main objective of yoga Nidra. Fortunately, it’s quite simple to practice Yoga of Nidra at home or practically anywhere else where you have 10 minutes to spare. Moreover, practicing it regularly can have numerous beneficial effects on your physical and mental well-being.
Practice Yoga Nidra
What is Yoga Nidra ?
Yoga Nidra is a type of meditation with roots in the yogic tradition. It’s a guided meditation that induces a state of consciousness known as yogic sleep. Yoga Nidra is considered a restorative and integrative practice that helps restore your body and mind.
It’s an ancient sleep practice that has been around for thousands of years. Yoga Nidra is very similar to lucid dreaming in that you are aware throughout the entire process while sleeping. It is not considered to be sleeping meditation because during yoga Nidra one remains completely relaxed without any effort, as though in a natural state of sleep.
During yoga Nidra, you’ll be guided by a repetitive phrase that encourages your brain to go into a deeper state of relaxation. As you become more relaxed through the process, you may experience vivid mental images or see your thoughts manifest into visions. You can also focus on your breath or tune into sounds in your environment.
How to Practice Yoga Nidra?
Let’s get into how to practice yoga Nidra. Firstly, you’ll want to set the scene for meditation. You can do this by dimming the lights, putting on some soothing background music, and/or setting an intention for your practice. You can also read a few aspirational quotes or meditate on a positive affirmation to set your intention for the practice beforehand. The next step is to get into a comfortable position. If you’re new to meditation, you can sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight.
Alternatively, you can lie down on your back and place a couple of pillows under your head and knees. Once you’ve prepared yourself, you can begin the practice by taking a few deep breathes to relax and let go of any thoughts that might be lingering in your mind. You can also focus on your breath and visualize your breath entering and exiting your body. Once you feel calm and relaxed, you can begin the yoga Nidra practice.
Remember to stay relaxed and don’t force yourself to do anything. Pay close attention to the phrases your guide is saying and let them take you deeper into your practice.
Why You Should Practice Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is very good for your mental health, as it helps you relax and let go of any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing. It also induces a state of deep relaxation, which has many health benefits, including improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue. Yoga Nidra can also help improve your concentration and creativity, reduce headaches and migraines, and even help you manage chronic pain. For starters, yoga Nidra can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
It can also help with insomnia and any sleeping disorders, such as sleep apnea. Moreover, regular yoga Nidra practice can reduce pain and improve your quality of life if you experience chronic pain. It can also improve your mental health by making you less anxious and increasing your creativity and focus.
20-Minute Advanced Version
If you’d like to up your yoga of Nidra game, then we recommend adding the following sounds and smells to your practice: Thunder: This sound can help induce a deeper state of relaxation. Rain: This is a great sound to use if you have trouble falling asleep due to insomnia. Lavender: This scent is a proven aromatherapy that can help you relax and fall asleep faster. Ocean waves: This sound can help you relax and fall asleep faster while also inducing a sense of peace and serenity.
You can also try adding some visualizations to your practice. You can visualize yourself in a peaceful environment, surrounded by the elements that you have chosen or making your own visualizations. Alternatively, you can visualize your thoughts and worries as clouds passing by.
10-Minute Guided Meditation for Beginners
If you’re new to yoga Nidra and would like to try a shorter guided meditation, then we recommend trying out this 10-minute yoga Nidra guided meditation. This can be a perfect way to ease yourself into this meditation style. You can either listen to the audio in this article or find a recording online. Remember that you don’t need to follow the recording word for word. Rather, use it as a guide to help you relax and let go of any thoughts or feelings that you want to remove from your psyche.
First and foremost, take a few deep breaths to relax and let go of any thoughts that might be lingering in your mind. Focus on your breath and visualize your breath entering and exiting your body. Once you feel calm and relaxed, begin the yoga Nidra practice. Pay attention to the words being guided to you and let them take you deeper into your practice. Focus on your breath and let it be your guide throughout your practice. Stay relaxed and don’t force yourself to do anything.
Also Refer :- How to Stop Sweating During Yoga
7) Conclusion
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation that induces a state of consciousness known as yogic sleep. It’s also commonly known as conscious sleep, which simply means it’s a type of sleep in which you are aware of your surroundings and your consciousness remains with you even though you are sleeping. Removing the stress, anxiety, and other negative thoughts from your psyche is the main objective of yoga Nidra. Fortunately, it’s quite simple to practice yoga Nidra at home or practically anywhere else where you have 10 minutes to spare. Moreover, practicing it regularly can have numerous beneficial effects on your physical and mental well-being. Here’s our guide on how to practice this guided meditation effectively: