Mental health is an issue that until recently has not been discussed much. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Having good mental health doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of a mental disorder, it means having a positive mental characteristic. However with the hustle and bustle of work and life, sometimes finding a moment to ourselves for relaxation is difficult. And that’s where an individual’s mental health might be compromised. Therefore, we should practice relaxation techniques to fortify our minds.
Yoga Nidra is a method that brings the body into a profound state of relaxation. Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, can be defined as sleep with a trace of awareness – an altered state of consciousness. It is an ancient technique used to reset the nervous system. There are millions of benefits of Yoga Nidra, including but not limited to reduced stress, anxiety, processing of traumas and mental clarity.
A study was conducted on a sample group of students aged between 20-30 years old to analyse Yoga Nidra’s effect on stress and anxiety. The students practiced daily for 3o mins. At the end of 6 months, the students felt more aware of the inherent potentialities of stress as they were more in-tune with their body and mind. All of them showed a positive change in relation to their stress and anxiety levels at the end of the study.
How is Yoga Nidra practiced?
Yoga Nidra is practiced in a flat lying position of savasana and follows the spoken instructions of a yoga instructor. The duration of Yoga Nidra can be as short as 5 mins or as long as an hour. Incorporating Yoga Nidra into a bedtime routine is the easiest. There is no way anyone can do Yoga Nidra wrongly. All you need is your body, and a safe place to feel completely with yourself and relaxed.
With that, here’s a Yoga Nidra video to start your relaxation journey
