guided yoga nidra practices
“WITHIN YOU, THERE IS A STILLNESS AND A SANCTUARY TO WHICH YOU CAN RETREAT AT ANY TIME AND BE YOURSELF”
how does yoga nidra work?
Clearer focus, lower anxiety, deep rejuvenation, profound transformations.
Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation, facilitates a transition to a relaxed state between wakefulness and sleep. Initially, your brain operates in active beta waves, gradually shifting to the alpha state, promoting a link between conscious and subconscious thoughts, releasing serotonin for inner calm. This phase reduces mental fluctuations, inducing tranquility and stillness in the body. Further into the practice, involving focused breathing and visualisation, delta waves occur, resembling deep sleep but with consciousness retained. This allows access to the subconscious, aiding in processing memories and easing repressed emotions, fostering detachment from unhelpful habits and thoughts
benefits of yoga nidra
While sharing traits with meditation, it uniquely delves into the mind, fostering profound mental and emotional well-being.
Yoga nidra, practiced for centuries and widely embraced, yields profound transformative benefits. Ongoing research aims to unveil its impact on mental health, highlighting the distinct journey in yoga nidra sessions.
Practicing Yoga Nidra can vary; some prefer daily sessions, others a few times a week. Consistency matters—regular practice, even a few times weekly, maintains its benefits.
Here are some key insights and benefits:
▸ Profound relaxation and rejuvenation
▸ Deeper self-awareness
▸ Heightens immune function
▸ Stimulate release of melatonin (sleep hormone)
▸ Reduces stress and anxiety
▸ Assists in pain management
▸ Increased mental focus and cognitive function
▸ Elevates mood and regulates emotions
▸ Boosts confidence and self-esteem
▸ Enhances sleep quality
▸ Assists in managing symptoms of depression
▸ Aids in healing from trauma
▸ Calms the nervous system for optimal function
Every Yoga Nidra session follows a structured process.
Understanding the mechanisms behind yoga nidra and honouring its ancient methodology are crucial for unlocking its benefits.
Here are the 8 essential stages to acquaint yourself with:
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Comfortably lying down on your back, known as the corpse or shavasana pose, will help relax your mind & your body
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This is a powerful, repeated mental affirmation aligning with your deepest desires to train the mind, give direction, and reshape beliefs
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A vital phase that aids in releasing tension from habitual areas of the body, fostering awareness and relaxation overall
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Correct breathing methods play a vital role in yoga nidra. Mindful breathwork encompasses the throat, chest, and abdomen
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This stage helps experience opposing sensations or emotions without reaction, fostering emotional relaxation and engaging both brain hemispheres
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This phase induces mental relaxation by stimulating memory and clearing disturbing thoughts through visualisation of diverse images
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Here we reinforce the "resolve" made at the beginning of the session, deeply embedding it in the subconscious to prompt regular assistance in achieving our goals
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As the yoga nidra session concludes, the final stage gently reintegrates practitioners with their surroundings. Reflecting on how you feel before transitioning back into your daily routine
guided yoga nidra meditation practices
Inviting an introspective journey into your inner world, this practice merges profound relaxation with heightened awareness. Embrace this path for inner calmness and rejuvenation, fostering deeper self-discovery and tranquility
yoga nidra apps and online
▸ Insight Timer - a vast library of mental well-being guided meditations, well-being courses, breathwork, yoga nidra, visualisations, music, and so much more
▸ Yoga International - practice yoga nidra, meditation and a variety of yoga styles with leading teachers online and through the app
▸ Ekhart Yoga - find resources, practice yoga nidra, meditation and a variety of yoga styles with leading teachers online and through the app
▸ Gaia - is your one stop shop from doc’s & films, to yoga nidra, yoga, articles… the list goes on. Gaia is online and has an app
▸ Aura - from yoga nidra to stories to hypnotherapy. This app covers everything you need for your wellbeing
▸ I am Yoga Nidra - there are two app’s to choose from that both offer yoga nidra practices
▸ Yoga Nidra - in this app, you are taken through a guided journey with the script of the practice evolving as you do it regularly
community
For novices or individuals seeking to improve their Yoga Nidra
practice, the internet offers a plethora of resources. Her you can find
exceptional platforms offering introductions to Yoga Nidra,
personalised guided sessions, and motivational content to foster a
mindful way of living
youtube
▸ Ally Boothroyd - is a Yoga Nidra educator , yoga educator & meditation teacher. She offers a vast collection of practices to suit your needs
▸ Nid’s Nidra - amongst well-being hacks, this channel provides a collection of yoga nidra and meditation practices
▸ Kristyn Rose - offers a variety of yoga nidra experiences to support you on your journey
▸ Yogi Bryan - Yogi Bryan shares his uniqueness through the practice of meditation and yoga nidra. He also has a popular meditation podcast
Curious about the effectiveness and benefits of mental health and wellbeing services offered online?
Discover how these sessions can positively impact your life from the comfort of your own space.
I offer a free 30-minute discovery conversation via phone or video call. Let's openly discuss your needs and aspirations. It's our starting point to explore collaborating on your personal growth journey. Your comfort and clarity matter—I'm here to bring positive change into your life
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Eliminates the need for travel, allowing you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. This is especially valuable for those with mobility challenges, busy schedules, or limited access to services.
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Online breaks down geographical barriers, making it accessible to individuals who might otherwise have difficulty finding a suitable provider nearby.
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Online sessions can provide a higher level of anonymity, allowing you to feel more comfortable discussing sensitive or personal topics without the fear of being recognised in a traditional setting.
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Online sessions often offer more flexible scheduling options, including evenings and weekends, accommodating various time zones and busy lifestyles.
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Being in a familiar environment can make some people feel more at ease and open during sessions, potentially leading to more productive discussions.
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Online sessions can be conducted through video calls, chats, or emails, allowing you to choose the mode of communication that best suits your preferences and comfort level.
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For those who travel frequently or have a transient lifestyle, online sessions ensures that you can maintain your therapeutic relationship regardless of your location.
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Some individuals might feel more comfortable seeking help online due to reduced stigma associated with mental health services compared to face-to-face interactions.
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Provides access to a wider range of counselors, including those who specialise in specific areas or have expertise that might not be available locally.