If I were to ask you if you feel rested, what would your answer be?
Maybe you’ve had a busy week so you feel a bit sluggish. Maybe your life is more chaotic than you’d like and you’re chronically exhausted.
What if I told you that I have an easy solution to this? And, no, it doesn’t include hiring a housekeeper or personal chef (though I can give you some references to these if you’d like).
Commonly called “yogic sleep,” Yoga Nidra is an ancient form of restful meditation. Whether you’re nine or ninety, this practice is perfect for you.
Picture this: You’re laying down (or sitting in a chair, if that’s more accessible to you), being guided by a teacher who’s taking you on a journey into yourself. During the practice, which can last as short as five minutes or as long as an hour, you feel a deep wave of relaxation washing over you. As you rest, your stress begins to melt away. Just like in Savasana, sometimes people fall asleep during the session – which is fine, though not the intention.
As your body moves from fight-or-flight and into rest-and-restore mode, a physiological shift is happening. The practice of Yoga Nidra has a direct impact on your brain waves, which means there are benefits a-plenty to this practice.
Delicious side effects of Yoga Nidra include:
*anxiety reduction
*lowered stress levels
*boosted immune system
*improved sleep and lessened insomnia
*help with menstrual irregularities
*lowered blood pressure and cholesterol
*reduction of inflammation
*elevated mood and decreased depression
With the holidays approaching, I can’t think of a better time to begin this glorious practice.