On yoga nidra

Yoga teacher Sarah Williams reveals why yoga nidra is so good for us

If, like me, you have trouble ‘switching off’, then it’s worth exploring yoga nidra, also known as the yoga of sleep. Similar to meditation but practised lying down in the supine relaxation pose (savasana), it helps us to move into the deep conscious state of healing and rest which happens when we are relaxed. Yoga nidra can be practised at any time of day, although it is best to not practise when you are very tired as you may fall asleep.

Why we need both relaxation and yoga asanas

Yoga nidra helps us to reduce the amount of time spent in what’s called the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) – also known as the ‘flight or fight’ state - and helps us move the body into a place known as the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) where it can rest and regenerate instead. Movement practices, such as yoga asanas, can help to burn off nervous energy and bring us back into the present, but if we want to truly rest and access the path to rejuvenation and repair, then yoga nidra could be the way.

What yoga nidra can do for me

Yoga nidra is a systematic, guided meditation based on the koshas, the five layers of who we are that work through the physical, energetic, emotional, wisdom and ‘bliss' body. It guides us using effortless awareness to consciously move towards the sleep state, drawing our attention inwards away from the distraction and stimulation of our everyday lives.

How to practise this type of relaxation - at home and on retreat

You don’t need to be flexible or experienced, as the practice happens lying down, with your teacher guiding you through different states of mental awareness. In yoga classes you usually find nidra practices paired up with gentle, restorative or yin practices, which may take place during the evening on a yoga retreat and can be the perfect end to a day. The practice of yoga nidra is simple, accessible and delicious.