Yoga Nidra: Unlocking Deep Rest for Body and Mind

In our fast-paced world, many of us live in a state of constant “doing.” Between responsibilities, screens, and stress, the nervous system rarely gets the chance to fully rest. Yoga Nidra, often referred to as “yogic sleep,” offers a powerful yet accessible practice that brings profound restoration to the body, mind, and spirit.

Unlike traditional sleep, Yoga Nidra guides you into a state of deep conscious relaxation—somewhere between wakefulness and dreaming—where healing and regeneration naturally occur. For many, just 30–40 minutes of Yoga Nidra can feel as restorative as several hours of sleep.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice typically done lying down in a comfortable position. Through a series of verbal instructions, you are led into progressive relaxation of the body, breath awareness, and visualization techniques that shift brainwaves into a deeply restorative state.

Research shows that in Yoga Nidra, the nervous system transitions into parasympathetic dominance—the “rest and digest” mode—allowing muscles to release, the heart rate to slow, and the mind to settle. This state not only calms stress but also supports memory, creativity, and emotional balance.

Benefits of Practicing Yoga Nidra

• Deep Relaxation: Reduces physical tension and quiets the busy mind.

• Improved Sleep Quality: Helpful for those with insomnia or restless nights.

• Nervous System Reset: Activates the vagus nerve, lowering stress hormones and improving resilience.

• Enhanced Focus & Creativity: By clearing mental clutter, the mind feels sharper and more open.

• Emotional Healing: Supports processing of stored emotions and helps cultivate inner safety.

How to Practice Yoga Nidra

You don’t need prior yoga experience to benefit. Here’s how to begin:

1. Set Up Comfortably: Lie down on your back with a blanket and pillow for support.

2. Follow a Guide: Use a recording or attend a class where an instructor leads you step by step.

3. Stay Aware: Unlike sleep, you remain gently aware throughout the practice.

4. Allow Stillness: Trust the process and notice sensations without judgment.

Even 20 minutes of Yoga Nidra can create noticeable shifts in how you feel—both physically and mentally.

Bringing Yoga Nidra Into Daily Life

The beauty of Yoga Nidra is its adaptability. You can practice in the morning for a calm start, midday to recharge, or before bed to prepare for restful sleep. Many people find it especially supportive during periods of stress, recovery, or transition.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, Yoga Nidra invites us to simply be. This practice is a gentle reminder that healing and balance arise not from effort, but from deep rest.

✨ Ready to experience the benefits of Yoga Nidra? 

Join me the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm:

• September 9, 2025
• October 14, 2025
• November 11, 2025
• December 9, 2025

SALUD Portland 

265 Marginal Way, Portland, Maine