Learn more about Yoga Nidra for improved mental health wellbeing.

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Learn More About Yoga Nidra for Improved Mental Health Wellbeing

Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is an old ancient practice that allows for deep meditation. Old scripts dating back to 700 BC to Sankhya Philosophy in India. However, it is believed the practice began around 1000 BC through verbal teachings. Interesting enough, yoga nidra was not introduced to the western world until the early 1960’s. Swami Satyananda offered the practice to those seeking a powerful meditative practice for recovery. Likewise, the practice is now used in many settings for treatment of anxiety and depression, addiction facilities, and even PTSD programs for the US military. Continue reading to learn more about Yoga Nidra for improved mental health wellbeing.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra

The benefits of Yoga Nidra are plentiful and deep reaching. Oftentimes, I tell people that Yoga Nidra changed my life in ways I never imagined possible. In listing, the benefits are as follows:

Improvement of thinking patterns (allows detachment from negative thought patterns).
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reduced insomnia and better quality of sleep.
Improved memory and cognitive function
Increases confidence and self-esteem (allowing for a deep connection with self).
Improves symptoms of chronic pain and tension.
Proven beneficial for post-traumatic stress disorder and improves physical health. See more about the IRest Progam HERE, which is endorsed and utilized by the US Army Surgeon General and Veteran Administration, for complementary treatment of PTSD.
Interested in learning more concerning the clinical research of Yoga Nidra see this LINK.

Who Can Practice Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a practice that anyone can utilize for improved health and wellbeing. Requirements for practice are resting on your back or sitting in a position. Above all, resting with limited movement is the primary goal. Oftentimes, many will find benefits by practicing Yoga Nidra in the morning, prior to starting the day. In contrast, practicing in the evening, prior to bed is also very beneficial. It should be noted, It is best to avoid Yoga Nidra immediately after meals. Furthermore, the practice cannot be performed incorrectly, the body will respond to the practice and received what is needed.

“Yoga is the Journey of the Self, Through the Self, To the Self.” The Bhagavad Gita

What to Expect from Your First Yoga Nidra Session?

Personally, I will never forget my first Yoga Nidra session. Above all, the clearness of my mind and thoughts after the session made me hungry for more practices. Overall, the meditation feels as though it clears the gunk from your mind and offers a brighter outlook. Learn more about what to expect from your first Yoga Nidra session below:

Practicing is usually done lying on your back. However, it can be performed in a seated position as well. In addition, a common position, known as savasana, is lying on the back, arms to the sides with palms facing upward, resting heavy on the floor. Pillows can be used under the head and/or the knees for improved relaxation.
Comfortable, warm clothing should be worn. Secondly, a blanket, pillows, and anything else that offers you comfort should be used. Body temperatures tends to dip during the practice, therefore preparing for warmth and comfort is beneficial.
Oftentimes, the practice lasts from 10 minutes upward to an hour, with 20-30 minutes being most common.
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation and is typically read from a prepared written script.
A script follows a detailed format to allow the mind to sink into the beneficial, restorative spaces to promote healing and rest.
To support relaxation, a dimly lit room can be utilized.
Guided scripts are read while lying in relaxation while following the voice of the facilitator.
The facilitator will hold the safe space for students. Hence, leading a practice patterned after the ancient old practice.
Interested in learning more about the importance of techniques for daily rest and reset? See my related blog article HERE!

Words of Wisdom

Most people sleep without resolving their tensions, this is termed nidra. Nidra means sleep, no matter what or why, But yoga nidra means sleep after throwing off the burdens, It is of a blissful, higher quality altogether.

When awareness is separate and distinct from the vrittis (thoughts in the mind), When waking, dream and deep sleep pass like clouds, Yet awareness of atma (inner self, soul) remains. This is the experience of total relaxation.

Relaxation does not mean sleep. Relaxation means to be blissfully happy, It has no end. I call bliss absolute relaxatio; Sleep is a different matter. Sleep gives only the mind and sense relaxation. Bliss relaxes the atma, the inner self; That is why, in tantra, Yoga nidra is the doorway to samadhi (state of blissful oneness).

-Swami Satyananda Saraswati-

“The more access we have to our body and what we are sensing, the more information we have to make clear decisions.”

-Richard Miller, PhD, Founder of IRest-

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, I am a firm believer of the power of Yoga Nidra to improve our lives. Practicing Yoga Nidra on a regular basis allows the brain to produce healthier thought patterns which allows for a deeper connection to our true selves. Below is my video offering of a short Yoga Nidra session. A daily habit of Yoga Nidra is sure to offer you more health and happiness in your daily life.