Yoga Nidra: Everything You Need to Know

Most days, we are just looking for a way to get to bed early or have a quick power nap in the middle of the day so that we could continue with our day as efficient as we would want.

But what if I told you that there is a way to relax both your body and mind that is not at all time-consuming and it is yet just as efficient as a 9-hour sleep?

Have you heard of sleep yoga or yoga nidra?

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is the traditional term used to talk about Sleep Yoga – a more popular term that we have had the chance to come across in the last few years. Yoga Nidra is best described as a form of meditation that is done in the characteristic yoga laying pose, also known as the corpse pose.

Unlike sleep, Yoga Nidra is practiced in complete consciousness and awareness of one’s body and mind. The goal of Yoga Nidra is to pay attention to every little part of your body while focusing on your breathing.

It is considered that when it is practiced correctly, it is just as beneficial in terms of relaxation of both the body and mind as a night spent sleeping. Not only that, practicing Yoga Nidra before sleep has been considered able to improve the quality of sleep.

What are the benefits of Yoga Nidra?

There are other beneficial effects apart from physical and mental relaxation that I am going to talk about in a little bit. Some of these beneficial effects of Yoga Nidra have also been scientifically proven. And you know that having actual scientific proof goes a long way when discussing any procedure that is supposed to help us improve our physical and mental health.

1. Relaxed body and mind

Yoga Nidra promises to relax both your body and mind, which might be especially beneficial whenever you are having a terrible day or under a lot of stress. Perhaps you have not had the chance to get a good night sleep – Yoga Nidra will help you with that by offering you an opportunity to renew your energy levels, relief the stress, and improve your mood.

2. Reduced depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two of the most frightening mental diseases of the 21st century. Looking down on the huge number of people right now, especially young adults and teenagers, who are suffering from depression and anxiety, there is the need to do something to reduce these numbers.

So, why not try Yoga Nidra which has been scientifically proven to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients, especially the ones who are suffering from mild to severe symptoms.

3. Solved menstrual problems

A lot of girls and women suffer from menstrual problems which can very easily lead to permanent reproductive complications in their lives. So, when Yoga Nidra was proven effective for these patients, being able to reduce the symptoms and prevent these menstrual problems in the future, doctors began recommending this highly effective relaxation technique to their patients!

4. Restored hormonal balance

Hormonal imbalances come with huge risks, making them a problem that people would want to solve and avoid in their lives. Well, we are in luck because Yoga Nidra has been proven to solve hormonal imbalances and problems and prevent all the medical issues that come with them.

How to practice Yoga Nidra?

To improve quality of sleep, relax your body and mind and energize your body, you need to practice Yoga Nidra correctly. I already mentioned that Yoga Nidra is practiced in the corpse pose. This means laying on your back, with your arms and legs open about 45 degrees from your body with closed eyes.

Yoga Nidra is best practiced for 15 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day, depending on the amount of time that you have to do it. Remind yourself to breathe properly, focusing on each inhale and exhale while you clear your mind and mentally scan every part of your body.

To feel more comfortable, you can add a pillow under your neck, lower back or knees. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with yourself, especially your body at the moment. If you do not prefer the corpse pose, you can try other body poses as well – you can practice Yoga Nidra in the classic seated yoga position, or you can do it lying down on your side.

Conclusion

It will take only 15 minutes from your day and yet it will do so much for you that you will never look back. Combine the effects of Yoga Nidra with some of the best sleep aid supplements and feel healthy, energized and ready to live your life to the fullest!

Try it; the chances are that you will join the group of people who are living a happy and fulfilled life thanks to Yoga Nidra!

Author Bio: Margaux Diaz has been writing for health, beauty, skin care, and fitness for many years. She has been consistent with her writing, thus contributing exceptional and worthy articles.