7 benefits of yoga nidra
I would also lie in bed at night with my brain busy with to-do lists and concern. I was too tired, and I was unable to turn off. That is when I learned about Yoga Nidra, which is a kind of guided meditation, which has entirely transformed my attitude toward rest. It is commonly referred to as yogic sleep and it is an effective form of conscious relaxation that any person can perform.
I did not believe it initially, yet the results of Yoga Nidra were so significant and eminent that I could not help to share them. I can say that it has changed my life as having been life-changing in both my mental and physical health.
What Exactly is Yoga Nidra?
I would like to clear up a widespread misconception before I immerse myself in the benefits. Yoga Nidra does not involve bending your body in complicated positions. You do it when you are lying down, and all still, and wrapped in a blanket. A guided voice takes you through the systemic procedure of turning your consciousness in various sections of your body and taking you into the state of being between alertness and sleep.
It is referred to as the hypnagogic state and the brain waves in this state change into alpha and theta waves. Here is where your nervous system has gone the most healing. In my case, it was really a kind of a re-boot of my whole being.
Vibes to the 7 Benefits of Yoga Nidra That Transformed My Life.
These are the seven most effective ways that the practice has assisted me and it can assist you as well.
It Dissolves Stress and Anxiety.
The first and the most obvious benefit on my part was this. My nervous system was in the fight or fight mode all the time. In the case of Yoga Nidra, there is active instruction of the body to go into the state of rest and digest. I was even able to feel the tension coming out of my shoulders and jaw. The practice reminds your body how to release the stress that you have stored and in the long term, you find yourself calmer and stronger even after the practice.
It Opens More Restorative and Deeper Sleep.
Since I was training myself to relax my nervous system at will, it became easier to fall asleep. Yet the quality of my sleep was the magic. A 20 minutes Yoga Nidra session was more restful than a fitful night of tossing and turning. I also began to wake up feeling truly refreshed, and not merely going through the motions.
It Sharps Your Concentration and mental alacrity.
A mind that is untidy, worn out is not a productive one. Taking a profound rest with my brain, I started to feel that my mental fog was being cleared. It was a computer hard drive defragmentation. My mind was clearer, my focus was more focused and I was able to handle difficult tasks without being overwhelmed after a session. I also take a brief Yoga Nidra rest, in lieu of the third cup of coffee.
It Assists in Processing Emotions of a Large Size.
Yoga Nidra does not teach the nonresistance of feelings. It is all about the ability to provide a non-judgmental space to watch them in a safe and quiet manner. I have discovered that lying down and observing my feelings throughout a practice will make them powerless. I can work with anxiety, sadness or frustration without getting engulfed in it. It is an effective means of emotional control.
It Enhances Innovativeness and problem solving.
I am finding that some of my most brilliant ideas have occurred not at my desk, but during or immediately after one of my Yoga Nidra practices. It suppresses the critical, conscious side of my mind, and thus provides the subconscious creative side an opportunity to express itself.
When I get stuck with a problem, I usually sleep on it with a Yoga Nidra practice and the answer usually comes in with much unexpected ease.
It Calms your Nerves.
We are existing in an overstimulated world. I was constantly on the alert as to the next message or request. This is directly counteracted by Yoga Nidra. It is systemic relaxing the whole nervous system, decreasing blood pressure, slowing heart rate and cortisol. In my case, this has come to mean that I am less sensitive and more rooted in my day-to-day existence.
It is Affordable to anyone and everyone.
This could be the best advantage. The person does not have to be adaptable, athletic, or even capable of sitting down. It is so accessible because you do that lying down. I have referred friends with persistent pain, new parents and busy executives who have all attained great value in it. It addresses you at the very point of you.
Getting Ready to Start Your own Practice.
These advantages can be experienced now. All you require is a quiet place, headphones (not compulsory) and 10-30 minutes.
Find a Guide: Go to YouTube, Spotify or a meditation app such as Insight Timer or Calm and search yoga nidra.
Get Comfy: Recline (supine position) on your yoga mat or on your bed. Place a pillow behind your head and knees. Keep yourself warm by covering yourself with a blanket because the body temperature can decrease.
After a prayer (Bismillah): You shall be requested to state a brief positive wish towards what you are doing at the beginning of each session or towards your life in general. It is an effective element of the process.
Listen and Let Go: The greatest lesson is one should remain quiet and listen to the voice of the guide. There is nothing wrong with falling asleep–you are still getting the benefits.
My Final Thought
Yoga Nidra to me is not a practice anymore, but a necessity in the contemporary world. It has made me learn that the art of rest is not a luxury, but a need to have a healthy, balanced life. These seven advantages that I have received are not the end. I wish you to experiment on it yourself, and find out the deep transitions you can effect on the subject of a condition of mere, intense rest.
Short FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Yoga Nidra and meditation?
A:Whereas meditation usually entails the concentration of the mind (to the breath, mantra etc.), Yoga Nidra is of systematic body-mind relaxation, which can result in a sleep like state. Newcomers find it easier, as a rule, since it is supported at each step of the way.