When you are not thinking clearly, you may commit actions that you will later regret. A type of yoga called Yoga Nidra can help you eliminate unhealthy behavior patterns by putting you in a calmer state of mind. Yoga Nidra can make you self-aware and less impulsive, making it less likely for you to partake in risky behaviors.
The Process of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is different from other types of yoga in that you lay on your back completely still and simply listen to the sounds of your teacher’s voice. You will become aware of your surroundings as well as how your body moves.
When your yoga teacher says a body part, bring awareness to it and then away from it. After your body scan, you are invited to explore your mind and reflect on past memories.
Once you are done with that, you shift your awareness back to your body and breath before returning to your external surroundings. The practice of Yoga Nidra puts you into the deepest levels of relaxation and restoration while being fully awake.
Helpful for Anxiety and Insomnia
Meditation naturally calms the sympathetic nervous system, which is also our fight-or-flight response. Instead of staying in a frozen state, we can use practices like Yoga Nidra to calm ourselves down. This deep relaxation releases melatonin, which manages immune function, blood pressure, cortisol levels, and sleep. If you have had insomnia, this yoga practice can quickly put you to sleep with ease.
Helpful for Addiction and Bad Behaviors
Yoga Nidra is beneficial in processing our impulses. Since you are maintaining your awareness in between the state of being asleep and awake, this can help you learn more about yourself on a deeper level. If your mind is in a calmer state, you may not be so quick to engage in reckless behavior. With a steady mind, you may find it easier to deal with addiction, and your mind will transform.
An Accessible Tool
Yoga Nidra can be done not only at a studio but in the comfort of your home. You can find free Yoga Nidra practices on YouTube or on the app Insight Timer. Your yoga teacher can recommend an album or playlist with effective Yoga Nidra tracks. Applying Yoga Nidra to your life can keep you calm and help you rest easy.
Yoga Nidra is all about finding awareness in your mind and body. This practice provides great benefits for people who suffer from anxiety, addiction, or insomnia. This type of yoga is different than others in that you enter a deep sleep phase while being fully awake. You ultimately learn control over your impulses. At Alta Loma, we understand the importance of meditative practices, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, life skills education, relaxation techniques, and more. Call us at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
