Yoga Nidra is the conscious relaxation of the mind. Being a powerful meditation technique, it has become popular now. In Sanskrit ‘nidra’ means sleep. However, yoga nidra does not mean a peaceful sleep. While you sleep, your entire body shuts down. During yoga nidra, you work with awareness, which makes it more effective than sleep. It is a mind-body therapy. While you practice yoga nidra, you rest in Shavasana pose. And the meditation takes you through your inner self, offering physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Here are the benefits of yoga nidra, which we don’t want you to miss out on.
1. Reduces Stress
Yoga, in general, is known as a stress reliever. And yoga nidra leads you to absolute calm. To deal with depression and anxiety, the best way is to start practicing yoga nidra. It is also beneficial in dealing with health ailments such as hypertension, digestive disorders, and migraine. The technique of Yoga nidra may be helpful for managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.1 This therapy is also considered successful in overcoming the psychiatric morbidity associated with menstrual irregularities.2
2. Relaxes Your Mind And Body
Deep relaxation is what yoga nidra guarantees you. It helps you relax your mind and release the physical tension stored in your body. It is, in fact, a lot more relaxing than sleep. It is often found that yoga nidra could improve the quality of your sleep. The stages of the body scan and breath awareness takes your mind and body to a higher level of serenity and clarity.
3. Sharpens Your Mind
Practicing yoga nidra sharpens your mind. You will find it easier to grasp information and learn. It is also effective in enhancing your memory and helps you improve your concentration.
4. Helps You Connect With Your Inner Self
Looking for emotional wellness? Yoga nidra aids emotional healing, as you experience tranquility during the therapy. It helps you connect with your deeper self. It gives you a window to work on unwinding long-held emotions. Coping with the hidden irritants in your mind, this technique takes care of your mental and physical well-being. Once you start practicing yoga nidra, you will crave for the profound happiness this therapy instills in you. The delight that emanates from your inner self will eventually embrace your body.
5. Almost Anyone Can Do It
Well, don’t worry about your age or capacity to do certain asanas? Yoga nidra is for all. People at any age can do it. If you are not interested in seated meditation, try yoga nidra. It could bring you a different experience. The interesting factor for you is that it is easy to do. And you don’t require long years of practice to master it. Sometimes, you may fall asleep during the practice. But it is fine.
The best way to practice yoga nidra is with a voice guidance. Your guide will ask you to bring your awareness to your breath and to every other part of your body one after the other. There is no exercise involved other than focusing on your awareness on each part of the body when your guide asked you to do. Ideally, practice it regularly, on a daily basis, if you can spare enough time for it. For your social, emotional well-being, spread out your yoga mat and delve into the practice of yoga nidra.
References
