Sometimes known as yogic sleep, Yoga Nidra is a deeply relaxing form of yoga that is packed with benefits. Unlike other forms of yoga, you barely have to move a muscle! In fact you are encouraged to be completely still!
We run a weekly "Relaxing Flow" class at Vanessa Flow Yoga based on the principles of Yoga Nidra, so we thought it was high time to tell you more about its many advantages so you can start experiencing them for yourself!
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a type of guided meditation that brings you into a state of deep relaxation while maintaining awareness.
Although you're not technically asleep in the usual sense, the aim is to travel through different levels of consciousness so you're in between being fully awake and asleep.
This allows both your mind and body to fully relax and rejuvenate on mnay different levels.
What does a Yoga Nidra class involve?
During the practice of Yoga Nidra, you'll stay in savasana - lying down on your back on your yoga mat - throughout, in physical stillness.
Your yoga teacher will guide you through a full body scan, encouraging awareness and relaxation in each part of your body, touching on vital nerve points and noticing where you may be holding tension or emotion.
You'll be guided to observe your breath, without controlling it or forcing anything.
The session will also tap into any emotions you're experiencing and may include visualisation techniques to transport your mind to a place of pure relaxation and calm.
Your teacher will gradually guide you out of this state of relaxation towards the end of the practice, slowly encouraging gentle movement and stretches before you head on home.
Our Thursday night Relaxing Flow class will take you through some gentle, floor based postures to ease the tensions of the day, before settling into a guided relaxation, your yoga nidra.
The class environment will be calm and ambient and you're encouraged to bring along warm layers, eye pillows and blankets. Come in your pjs if you like, with a tea in a flask - it’s time to really wind down!
What are the benefits of Yoga Nidra?
Where do we begin?!
Here are just a few of the fabulous benefits of attending our weekly Thursday night Yoga Nidra practice.
Improves sleep
Good sleep is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing, and attending a regular Yoga Nidra class is sure to help you achieve a deep slumber - it can even help with insomnia.
Your body experiences such a deep state of relaxation that it actually replicates the benefits of a full night's sleep.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Yoga Nidra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers stress hormones and brings a sense of calm to your mind and body. So much so that it's actually used as a therapeutic tool for people who want to reduce anxiety and stress in their daily lives.
Encourages emotional healing
When we tap into deeper layers of our consciousness, it can allow us to release suppressed emotions we've subconsciously been holding onto and internalising.
This release helps you to heal and move forward from trauma and emotional blockages.
Relaxes the body
Yoga Nidra also helps to fully relax the body, easing muscle tension and even relieving any physical pain you may be experiencing. This can really help if you're living with chronic pain, fatigue, or conditions like arthritis.
Brings better focus
When you practise Yoga Nidra regularly, you're likely to have a clearer mind in everyday life, making it easier to focus and concentrate on daily tasks and be more efficient.
Heightens creativity
Accessing your subconscious mind can even boost your creativity and problem solving skills - it's like a reset button for your brain.
Where can you practise it?
We run a weekly Thursday night Relaxing Flow class at 7.45pm at our Ribble Valley yoga studio in Clitheroe, Lancashire - view our full timetable.
If you're further away or want to try it out at home first, check out our on-demand library to rent a relaxing and restorative at-home yoga class from just £4 - less than a cup of coffee, and much more conducive to a good night's kip!
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