Yoga Nidra is a very powerful and popular ancient Indian meditation technique that effects deep relaxation of the mind and body.  Its regular practice not only relaxes the mind and body but also connects with the soul. It’s an effective insulator of stress and worry. It promotes inner calmness, peace, harmony, and joy.

Nidra means sleep and Yoga Nidra takes you to a state of deep sleep while you are still awake. It‘s often called divine sleep or yogic sleep. In Hinduism, we believe that, such as, Lord Vishnu and Shiva always stay in a state of some form of Yoga Nidra. This ancient practice has now become very popular form of mind-body therapy by health professionals.  It is one of the simple, least time-consuming, and enjoyable mindfulness technique of relaxation and rejuvenation. Yoga Nidra is a state between real sleeping and awake. The exercise begins with conscious awareness of each part of your body, and then moving your awareness onto your breath and finally your environment. It is a step-by-step way to introduce Pratyahara i.e. withdrawal of senses and going inward. Research suggests that 20-25 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equal to providing similar benefits of 3-4 hours of real sleeping. Not only does it give you physical and mental rest but also a time-tested method to improve your psychological condition—insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

The video below provides a step-by-step guide to Nidra Yoga. Please use the earphone to listen to the instructions. Simultaneously please do listen to the instructions and practice Yoga Nidra in Shavasana.  Practice it daily to receive the greatest benefits.