Discover the Deep Relaxation and Healing Benefits of Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided relaxation and meditation that is often referred to as "yogic sleep." It is a technique that allows the body and mind to completely relax while remaining conscious and aware.

During a Yoga Nidra practice, participants lie down comfortably and follow the guidance of a facilitator. Yoga Nidra facilitator will lead everyone through a series of visualizations and body awareness exercises, breathwork, visualization, and relaxation techniques, designed to induce a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness.

Yoga nidra practice has been scientifically proven to have many benefits for both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular practice of yoga nidra can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, as well as improve overall well-being, cognitive function, and immune system function. Additionally, yoga nidra has been used as a therapeutic tool to treat conditions such as PTSD, chronic pain, and substance abuse.

If you are interested in giving Yoga Nidra practice a go click here to experience a 10-minute Yoga Nidra To Reset The Nervous System.

Here are some sources for the benefits of yoga nidra studies:

1. Yoga Nidra as a Therapeutic Intervention for Military Veterans with PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2014. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.22081

2. Yoga Nidra relaxation increases heart rate variability and is unaffected by a prior bout of Hatha yoga. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151418/

3. Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Yoga Nidra on Chronic Pain: A Clinical Case Series. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390488/

4. Effect of Yoga Nidra on Blood Glucose Level in Diabetic Patients. International Journal of Yoga, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3887506/

5. Effects of yoga nidra on psychological general well-being in patients with menstrual disorders: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Yoga, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34084363/

Irina

A Guide to Restorative Yoga for Stress Reduction

Stress, anxiety, and tension are all-too-common experiences in our modern lives. We’re constantly being pulled in different directions and pushed to our limits. But there is hope! Restorative yoga is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Let's explore why restorative yoga is so beneficial for stress reduction.

What Is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga is a type of yoga practice that helps your body relax deeply, using props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support your body in various poses. This allows you to stay in the pose longer while still being comfortable, allowing you to stretch more deeply than if you were just holding the pose on your own. The use of props also makes it easier to relax into the poses, which helps you let go of any tension or stress that might be stored in your body.

The Benefits of Restorative Yoga

The most obvious benefit of restorative yoga is its ability to reduce stress and tension in the body. It can help lower cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress—which can have a positive effect on overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, restorative yoga can help improve sleep quality by relaxing the mind and calming racing thoughts that often occur at night when trying to fall asleep. Finally, restorative yoga can help increase flexibility by stretching out tight muscles and connective tissues over time.

Creating a Restorative Practice

Creating a successful restorative practice takes some planning but is totally doable! Start by finding a comfortable place where you won't be disturbed for at least 15 minutes; this could be your bedroom or living room or even outside under a tree if weather permits! Set up your space with all the props you need for each pose; blocks for support under hands or feet, blankets for extra cushioning on joints like knees or elbows, straps for stretching arms behind the back, etc… Once everything is set up it's time to start moving! Use slow movements—like standing up from one pose (like mountain pose) then slowly bowing forward into downward facing dog before transitioning into child's pose—to get into each position while focusing on breathing deeply into each movement. Stay in each position anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on what feels right for your body before slowly transitioning out of each posture back into mountain pose then finally lying down onto the floor with legs stretched out wide open palms facing up towards ceiling staying here until end of practice.

Restorative yoga can provide great relief from both physical and mental tension & stress allowing us to gain control over our bodies & minds so we can live more happily & healthily no matter how stressful life may seem at times. With proper preparation & practice we can create successful restorative practices that will make us feel relaxed & rejuvenated every single time we move through them! So take some time today—even if it’s just 5 minutes—to practice restorative poses & start feeling better today!

Grounding Meditation Practice

“Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.”– Ajahn Brahm

Meditation can serve as an anchor amidst uncertain times. Take 15 minutes out of your day to practice with me.

Equipment: yoga mat + yoga bolster or a couch cushion