The benefits of yoga nidra for our physical, mental & emotional health 

I started practising yoga nidra during my first pregnancy when I attended a yoga session that included both hypnobirthing & yoga nidra. I found it so helpful that I have used it ever since for a variety of reasons – for a quick rest & reset during the day when I had a newborn baby (& still now with older kids during the school holidays!), if I need to calm my mind before sleep at night-time & when I want to centre myself during times of change or difficulty.

I love it, so I want to share that love & encourage others to try!

What is yoga nidra

It is non-physical form of yoga, sometimes referred to a yogic sleep, where you listen to a guided meditation that eases you in a deep state of relaxation. It aims to help you access a state of consciousness between wakefulness & sleep, often referred to as the theta brainwave state, which is associated with healing & restoration.

The meditation includes visualisations & often a systematic scanning of the body to release tension & promote relaxation. Some yoga nidras contain certain themes, such as self-love or physical healing, which can bring awareness to emotions & thoughts that may be hidden or suppressed by our normal waking mind & therefore allowing processing & release.  

How does it help

Here are but a few of the physical, emotional, cognitive & spiritual benefits -

• Yoga nidra suppresses the ‘fight or flight’ response by calming the body’s sympathetic nervous system
• By promoting deep relaxation in your body & mind, it can improve your sleep cycles & quality of sleep
• This reduction in stress can boost your immune system & reduce inflammation
• Yoga nidra brings our focus to the present moment, thus reducing negative thoughts about the past or future
• Changing your brainwave state regularly increases cognitive function which can boost your memory & concentration
• The systematic relaxation of muscles across the body reduces chronic pain perception
• The visualisation & intentions used in yoga nidra can help you to tap into the inner wisdom of the unconscious mind, helping you overcome limiting beliefs & negative emotions
• By accessing deeper levels of consciousness, you can understand yourself better, your values & purpose in life

The beauty of yoga nidra is that you can do it in a class or in your own home, needing nothing more than a space to lie down which is quiet & comfortable. You can do it for 10 minutes or an hour depending on the time you have available – you will always benefit in some way!

Visit Yoganidranetwork.org to look at free yoga nidras of every kind

My next blog will offer more information about how yoga nidra can be particularly helpful for women going through emotional & biological changes at times of transition such as pregnancy & menopause