New to Yoga Nidra? Here's what you need to know!

Posted on 25/04/2023

Wellbeing, Health

The lovely Esther Abrey, a teacher here at G&G, explains what Yoga Nidra is, it's benefits and how you can get started.

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Yoga Nidra, also known as "yogic sleep," is a form of guided meditation that is practiced lying down. It's a powerful practice that can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore what yoga nidra is, its benefits, and how to practice it.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga nidra is a type of guided meditation that takes you into a state of deep relaxation. It's similar to the state you experience just before falling asleep, but with the added benefit of being aware and conscious. During a yoga nidra session, you'll be guided through a series of visualizations and relaxation techniques, with the aim of reaching a state of complete relaxation.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra

The benefits of yoga nidra are wide-ranging and include:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Yoga nidra is known to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting relaxation
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Yoga nidra is known to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting relaxation
Improves Sleep: Yoga nidra can help improve the quality of your sleep by calming your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep
Boosts Immunity: Studies have shown that regular practice of yoga nidra can boost your immune system, helping to prevent illness and disease

Reduces Chronic Pain: Yoga nidra has been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress

Improves Overall Well-being: Yoga nidra can help improve your overall well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving sleep.

How to practice yoga nidra

Find a comfortable space: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can lie down without being disturbed
Get into a comfortable position: Lie down on your back with your arms and legs slightly apart. Make sure you're comfortable and that your body is fully supported. Feel free to use a light layer like a blanket. I find it helpful if using a blanket to tuck it in to help contain your sense of where your body is. At the Howbery Park studio, we have all you’ll need for the practice, from bolsters to blankets, though many choose to bring their own extra blankets to make themselves even more comfortable
Follow the guided meditation: Join our monthly live Sunday evening nidras, held from our beautiful studio at Howbery Park at 6pm
Stay present: Try to stay present and aware throughout the meditation. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the present moment
Take your time: After the meditation, take your time to slowly come back to the present moment. You may want to stretch or move your body gently before getting up.

When should I practice yoga nidra?

Traditionally, yoga nidra would be practised not long after waking up - this is the time when there is the minimal "mind chatter" and the practise sets you up for the day ahead. However, in today's busy go-go-go culture, many favour practicing in the evening as a way to wind down from the day.

Our monthly Sunday evening sessions, held at 6pm at our peaceful studio at Howbery Park are always popular, and a great way to bookend the end of one week, one day, and the beginning of another.

Personally, I regularly practice a short 15 or 20 minute nidra when I have a space in a busy day - the busier the day, the more it is needed, and the greater the benefit. On the days when I am working particularly long hours, I find a short nidra practice during the day energises me, and helps me to keep perspective amidst the commitments.

In conclusion, yoga nidra is a powerful practice that can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. It's easy to practice and can be done anywhere, anytime. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit you?

This blog was written by one of our teachers, Esther Abrey, if you want to find out more about her and the classes she teaches at G&G, including yoga nidra, click here.