When your body needs a well-deserved rest and your mind is constantly stressed and restless, there is a powerful relaxation technique called yogic sleep or Yoga Nidra meditation you can use to lure the Sandman to visit you. Also known as Yoga Nidra, this technique can help you achieve a fluid mind, relaxed body, and supercharged intuition.
This technique is especially beneficial in today’s fast-paced life when getting a straight 8 hours of sleep is hardly anyone’s priority. Yogic sleep consists of a 45-minute sleep, which isn’t really sleeping as you remain completely aware throughout the process but is the equivalent of 3 hours of regular sleep.
Yoga Nidra is the practice that helps you enter a deep state of relaxation. It is very different from normal sleep, as when you are asleep, you are unconscious and unaware that you are sleeping. On the other hand, Yoga Nidra is a middle ground, which makes you feel as relaxed as possible while still being aware of what is happening around you, in your mind and body.
How To Practice Yoga Nidra
Inducing Yoga Nidra involves listening to a set of instructions (a recording or a friend reading instructions), something like guided meditation, but practicing yourself is more practical.
- The first step is to lie flat on your back with a clear intention. Make yourself comfortable by adding pillows or a folded blanket under your neck and knees.
- Close your eyes and repeat your intention in your head thrice.
- Take deep breaths.
- Be aware of your body as a whole, starting by relaxing each part from your right side all the way to your left side.
- Repeat the step above while being completely aware of your body
- Keep repeating the steps until you have achieved a sufficient amount of relaxation.
- Feel the stillness and peace around your body
- Reaffirm your clear intention three times.
- Prepare yourself to return to a normal state of consciousness.
- Start by moving your fingers gently, taking deep breaths, and opening your eyes.
There is no time limit to performing Yogic Sleep; try to come out of it naturally, whether it takes you just 15 minutes or an hour.
Yoga Nidra Benefits For Beginners
The best part of Yoga Nidra is that it is practical and easily accessible to anyone. It creates deep relaxation while promoting mental peace and higher awareness. It enhances the functioning of the metabolic and nervous systems.
It improves a person’s overall physical health and reduces the chance of contracting flu and other infections. It improves mental health, PTSD, anxiety attacks, and depression. Yogic Sleep is a great way to help people fall asleep, reduce insomnia, and clear brain fog.
Long-Term Benefits Practicing Yoga Nidra
It is a spiritual practice that brings calmness and tranquility to your daily life. It releases stress and gives you more control over your well-being and emotions. Your mind stops racing, making you more alert and focused.
Furthermore, Yoga Nidra has been proven to improve heart rate, blood pressure, and is also helpful for women with menstrual disorders. It has also helped people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
