My Favorite Pandemic Activity - Yoga Nidra
With the media touting all of the benefits of mastering your monkey mind these past few years you’ve probably tried meditation and perhaps you have tried to incorporate the practice of mindfulness into your day. But have you heard of yoga nidra? Translated from Sanskrit as yogic sleep, yoga nidra is a form of meditation designed to guide you into a place between wakefulness and sleep, allowing for a deep state of rest and relaxation. A 30 minute yoga nidra session can give you the same restorative benefit as a full nights sleep. Though you may fall asleep during the practice, the goal is to stay awake, allowing the brain to shift into a slower brain wave pattern. In that state, the subconscious mind can follow a guided step-by-step relaxation exercise throughout the body. In addition to the restorative benefits, setting an intention at the beginning of the practice can help you work on a specific goal or address a limiting belief. This is called a Sankalpa, and it can be anything you feel you need in your life. If you have been feeling anxious you can use “I am calm” for your intention. You will be guided to set your intention at the beginning of the practice and then let it go. It is recommended you use the same Sankalpa until it has manifested in your life.
The benefits of yoga nidra are similar to the benefits of meditation in general and include both mental and physical health benefits. Studies have shown positive outcomes in mood, chronic pain, PTSD, and blood sugar, inflammation and stress levels. (IDEA Fitness Journal, Nov-Dec 2020).
During the pandemic I have made a conscious effort to carve out time everyday for yoga nidra. I call it my down time. I am an introvert and after a full morning of working with clients on Zoom I am ready for a break. Depending on how much time I have I choose a yoga nidra on my Insight Timer app that is anywhere from 10 - 45 minutes long. I really like using the eye pillow as I feel like it is a signal to my body and mind to block out the world and relax. Afterward I feel refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
In these highly stressful times this is definitely a practice worth trying. It is a scientifically backed way to improve your physical and mental health. There are many meditation apps available now, including Insight Timer, Headspace and Calm. You can even find yoga nidra sessions on YouTube. Maybe it’s time for a little down time in your life, too!
