What is Yoga Nidra?

Expert Blog

By Personal Trainer Bethan Handy

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is also known as “Yogic-Sleep” and is a deep form of relaxation.

You may have experienced a small part of Yoga Nidra at the end of a Yoga class. You are essentially led by a teacher into a state between deep relaxation and meditation.

Why?

We are a nation of people who rush everywhere, live in a perpetual state of “being too busy”, and mental health is at crisis point. The reality of the situation is that we are unable to change lots of aspects in our lives that add to this feeling. But what we can do is find 30-45 minutes a week to attend a Yoga Nidra class in Bristol.

What?

Whether the Yoga Nidra follows a Yoga class (exercise) or is a stand alone class you will be led to lying comfortably onto your mat with pillows, warm clothes etc. You will be talked through breathing techniques to trigger relaxation, body awareness, visualisations and maybe some gentle intention setting.

There is no wrong way to do Yoga Nidra. If you fall asleep that is because it is what the body needed. However the more times you attend the less this is likely to happen. You may still dip in and out of what the teacher is saying but your ability to stay present will increase.

Traditional forms of meditation can be frustrating. It may seem impossible to still the mind for anything longer than a second or two. This is what makes Yoga Nidra so amazing. There is no effort on your part. If your mind wanders you will be gently brought back to what the teacher is saying.

Each time you attend a class the experience may be slightly different as you will notice more things. You will become more in tune with your own body and thoughts and feel able to manage the stress that is placed upon us in each day more effectively.

As with traditional sleep you may find that following the class you feel like you have pressed the re-set button and have renewed energy for the day. You may also find that if you are usually a troubled sleeper, practicing Yoga Nidra will have a knock on effect in the quality of your normal sleep patterns.

In short Yoga Nidra will leave you feeling less stressed, more rested, more energetic, more focused and more at peace.

In our world of busy lives this could be just what you have been looking for.

Where?

Yoga Nidra is practiced in Yoga studios around Bristol. You can try Yoga Nidra in the Maywellness Studio on a Wednesday evening or a Friday lunchtime.

Contact The May Wellness Centre

If you'd like to speak to someone about treatment with one of our professionals, please get in touch:

• Tel 0117 924 4592
• Email info@maywellnesscentre.co.uk
• Address 4 Redland Court Road, Bristol, BS6 7EE