Yoga is much more than meditating in poses. It is a whole lifestyle, and as we, as people, are different, so is the practice. There are various types of yoga, and today we will talk about Yoga Nidra – one of the most relaxing and calming practices.
Suppose you are the type of person that prefers to stay in bed instead of hitting the gym, if you like the laying yoga poses instead of the standing and active ones. In that case, you may fall in love with this type of practice. It is easy, calming, and most importantly – it is absolutely recovering. Today we will share all the details you need to know about Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra – what is this?
Yoga Nidra is also known as the sleep of yogic and as relaxation without having the need to put effort into it. It is a form of guided meditation, but don’t make assumptions – it is much more than this.
Тhe yogic sleep is a technique to get yourself in a deep state of conscious relaxation and become even more aware of your inner self and world. Once you get into this deep state of relaxation, you can get to know your senses, your mind, and your own time.
It is highly beneficial for all people suffering from stress, trauma, and anxiety since it holds healing power and leads to a state of deep relaxation. Many yogis say that one hour of practicing Nidra will give you the benefits of 4 hours of sleep. So, you can now imagine the healing state of this outstanding practice.
Difference between meditation and yoga Nidra
Many people believe that Yoga Nidra and meditation are almost the same, but this is not true. Yes, both practices are about relaxing and slowing down. There are some overlaps but also enormous differences. When you practice yoga Nidra, your goal is to get yourself into a state of conscious awareness sleep, or in other words – to deeply relax while being aware of doing it. This state of mind is about being conscious even when you are unconscious and have complete control over it. That’s why it will be hard for most people to practice Nidra without a guide.
When it comes to meditation, you are fully awake, focused on your mind, slowing down your thoughts, and removing them. When we meditate, we can go to tetha state. This is the previous step before getting into the delta state – the deepest cycle of sleep and the state of healing your mind and body. So, meditation is needed to get yourself into the state of practicing Nidra. Still, it is definitely not the same as it.
Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has many incredible benefits for the mind and body. Everybody can practice, and everybody can enjoy those fantastic benefits. Here are some of them:
Reducing the stress levels
No person is living in the world nowadays who does not experience stress. Sadly, it has become a part of our lives, and when the stress levels become too high, it can be dangerous for our physical and mental health. It drains our energy and brain and makes us feel anxiety, depression, and other unfavorable conditions.
That’s why we should reduce stress levels as much as possible, and Yoga Nidra is one fantastic way to do so. When practicing it regularly, people become aware of their hidden issues. They become aware of the subconscious, of their mind and body. Then comes the moment of fully accepting who you are and your needs. This leads to living a much better life and releasing all that has been holding you. In other words – thanks to this practice, you will be able to lower your stress levels and deal with all the issues you experience, such as depression and anxiety.
Rejuvenating the body
When practicing Yoga Nidra, our body gets into a deeper state of relaxation. That is the moment of healing and rejuvenation. When being in this state of mind, all the functions of the body will become minimal, while the function of the hormones will increase. That’s the moment of healing your body and mind, repairing yourself, and expelling all the toxins out of the system.
You may think that after such relaxation you will prefer to stay in bed or to relax even more, but that is not true. Thanks to the rejuvenation of the body, it will conserve energy. This will lead to removing the fatigue and filling you with energy. You will feel like you are waking up from a perfect nap.
Improves concentration
Many people suffer from a lack of concentration. That is normal – having so much on your head is not easy. Thanks to Yoga Nidra, a person can stay focused much more than before. Why? Because during the practice, we must remain focused on the teacher and how he/she speaks. We need to follow the instructions and focus on how our body feels.
It is normal to be difficult initially, but after some practice, you will start concentrating much easier. Your mind will not wander, and your ability to stay focused will improve not only while practicing Yoga Nidra but in your daily life.
The same goes for memory – once you can stay focused, it will be much easier to remember things. But what is better – you will be able to retain information and remember only the one that is really important to you. That is one of the advantages of being conscious even when subconscious – your mind will do some extra work for you without notice.
How to practice Yoga Nidra?
Practicing yoga Nidra is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You can go to a studio and practice with others or simply do it at home with a guide through YoTube. You don’t need specific equipment – a yoga mat will be more than enough. You can also get a pillow or two for more comfort.
Regarding other styles of yoga, we advise you to attend a studio, meet new people, and feel the energy of being surrounded by other people doing the same as you. However, when it comes to Yoga Nidra – you need to be entirely comfortable, fully safe, and able to relax, so being at home, at your safe place, might be a better idea.
Before starting the practice, you must remove all the distractions around you. You can even go into a darker room to make it easier for you to rest and relax. You should lie down, but if you feel uncomfortable on the floor – the bed is also good. We advise you to start with shorter sessions of 15-20 minutes to get used to the practice. You can do it both in the morning or in the evening.
When practicing Yoga Nidra, you need to connect your mind to your desires – focus on your goal, imagine you are reaching it, and imagine how you feel. You should also become aware of your body and your breath. Your body should be fully relaxed, and your breath should be in control.
Yoga Nidra sounds amazing because It really is. It is one great way of relaxing and letting go of all the issues and problems of the day. Once you start practicing Nidra, you will never stop! It is easy to get used to feeling relaxed, energized, and, most importantly – calm and aware of who you are and being happy with it.
FAQ:
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is the sleep of yogic, or in other words – a form of guided meditation, a technique of getting yourself into a deep state of conscious relaxation and becoming more aware of your inner self, your senses, and your mind.
What are the benefits of Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra has many benefits for the mind and the body. Some of them are: reduced stress levels, relaxing the body and the mind, and improved concentration.
What is the difference between Yoga Nidra and meditation?
Both practices are about relaxation, but yoga Nidra has a specific goal – to get yourself into a state of deep relaxation, a conscious awareness sleep, while still having full control over yourself and your actions.
How can you practice yoga Nidra?
To practice Yoga Nidra you need to find a quiet and relaxing place. You can put in a YouTube guide or attend a group lesson. If you prefer to practice alone, you should remove all the distractions and create a relaxing atmosphere. Lie down comfortably, and connect your mind to your desires.
