What Is Yoga Nidra?.......How Can Yoga Nidra Aid Anxiety & Stress? and in that time I was lucky to have been part of a workshop taught by the originator of the Yoga Nidra technique, Swami Satyananda, (now deceased).
Yoga Nidra is described as the waking sleep, as it can take the participant to a state of conscious deep sleep. It is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, emotional and mental relaxation. The practitioner appears to be sleeping but the unconscious mind is functioning at a deeper level. It is sleep with deep awareness. In normal sleep we lose track of our self, but in Yoga Nidra, while consciousness of the world is dim and relaxation is deep, there remains an inward feeling of lucidity and the experience may be absorbed and even recalled after. Since Yoga Nidra involves effortless relaxation it is best practised with an experienced and trusted teacher, who can verbally deliver instructions.
More recent research studies by Dr Richard Millar (Integrative Restoration or IRest) over the past 16 years has proven that the reductions in anxiety and stress symptoms occurs with regular Yoga Nidra practise amongst all ages.
When I began my Fitness, Wellness and Teaching career I included Yoga Nidra as part of a regular practise in schools as well as Fitness Classes. This became part of every program I still teach with all ages. I have found over the years as stress and anxiety Anyone can do Yoga Nidra. It cannot be done levels increase more and more people request Yoga incorrectly. As you lie down, supported in Savasana, Nidra and even ask for a longer session. or Corpse Pose, all anyone needs to do is follow the guided voice. It's likely parts of the meditation will Currently I am running a program for the NSW not be heard as you enter deep relaxation. Every Department of Education Teachers that includes time you do this practise it is like a new experience, Yoga Nidra as a practise to help students suffering none of which is wrong. Many fall asleep and that stress and anxiety. is okay too. You will still receive benefits while the The scientific studies have shown that people unconscious mind is absorbing the practice. who practise Yoga Nidra experience better sleep My personal journey with Yoga Nidra began at 18 generally, reduced anxiety and fear, reduced attending the Satyananda Yoga Centre in Manly, Sydney depression, improved interpersonal relationships and Mangrove Mountains, Central Coast of NSW and are more productive. 12
