Popping in to say hi and share this week’s energy 💫 tip for your week ahead:
Wow, what a couple of weeks! I’ve just come off two amazing wedding weekends. There’s something magical about seeing two people commit to their exciting new life together as a married couple. So much fun!
As much as I love celebrating love, I’m now totally wiped out. All that dancing, toasting, and happy crying takes its toll!
I’m in need of a major reset.
My secret weapon for bouncing back? Yoga Nidra. It’s my go-to for hitting the reset button.
Energy Tip of the Week: Yoga Nidra (Non-Sleep Deep Rest)
This powerful technique is my cosmic “pause” button when life gets too busy.
A 20-minute Yoga Nidra session is like taking the best power nap of your life, but you don’t feel groggy afterwards and your hair still looks perfect. Your mind feels clear, your body rested, and afterwards you feel like you’re on a high (without caffeine).
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, also known as “yogic sleep” or Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. It’s a guided meditation practice where you lie down comfortably and follow a narrator’s voice, scanning and relaxing your body and mind.
The Science Behind Yoga Nidra
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, advocates for what he calls “Non-Sleep Deep Rest” (NSDR), which includes practices like Yoga Nidra, meditation, and hypnosis. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
Nervous System Regulation
Yoga Nidra helps shift your nervous system from sympathetic (fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and digest) activation. This shift counteracts the effects of chronic stress by lowering cortisol levels and heart rate, which is important for overall health and even immune function.
Neuroplasticity
NSDR practices can enhance your brain’s ability to form new neural connections, improving the brain’s plasticity. This increased plasticity allows for easier learning and adaptability, essentially giving your brain a mini makeover and rewiring it for better efficiency.
Sharper Focus and Clearer Thinking
Regular NSDR can help enhance concentration and clarity. Dr. Huberman compares it to rebooting your computer – it clears out the mental clutter, enabling your brain to work more efficiently.
Improved Sleep
While it’s not a replacement for your nightly ZZ’s, it can help improve the quality of your sleep. It acts as a lullaby for your brain – calming thoughts and relaxing the body, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep all night.
Meditation Made Easy
For those who struggle with traditional meditation, NSDR provides similar benefits with less effort. If sitting still and slowing your thoughts seems impossible, NSDR is a great alternative, giving you the benefits with less mental effort.
Getting Started
If you’re new to Yoga Nidra, don’t worry! It’s simple to start, and you can find many free guided sessions on YouTube. My favorite is Ally Boothroyd of Sarovara Yoga, who offers many sessions ranging from quick 10-minute resets to deeper 2-hour sessions.
Remember, consistency is key. Dr. Huberman recommends practicing for 10-20 minutes, 3-7 times per week for optimal benefits.
After the excitement of the weddings, Yoga Nidra left me feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to tackle my week ahead with renewed energy. It’s amazing how this simple practice can have such profound effects!
I encourage you to try it, especially when life gets hectic. It might become your new favorite tool!
Wishing you a beautiful, restful Sunday.
…. until next time, many many sweet blessings.
p.s. If you try Yoga Nidra, I’d love to hear about your experience!