Yoga Nidra - The Revolutionary Rest Practice Taking the World by Storm

At Warrior Two Yoga, we are all about finding amazing ways to rest and de-stress. One of our favourite practices is Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation technique that promotes rest and restoration. If you haven't tried it before, get ready to learn about a practice that will transform your approach to rest and relaxation.

So, what exactly is Yoga Nidra? The term translates to "yogic sleep," but it's not really sleep in the traditional sense. In fact, it's a state of deep relaxation where you are not quite awake or asleep. Unlike traditional meditation practices that might require intense focus and the clearing of the mind, Yoga Nidra simply asks you to follow the voice that is guiding you. There's no right or wrong way to do it, and you cannot practice it incorrectly.

One of the best things about Yoga Nidra is that it's a practice anyone can do, regardless of age or yoga experience. All you need to do is lie down on the floor and listen to the voice of your yoga teacher as they guide you through the practice. It's an easy practice to follow and it invites your body to restore your own natural rhythms of rest and vitality. It can help you to access the deep states of rest that you may not be able to reach on your own.  It is a nourishing and restorative practice that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

While Yoga Nidra has been around for centuries, more modern versions have emerged in recent years. iRest and Huberman's Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) are two such examples. The science behind Yoga Nidra is compelling.  Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, conducted research on the NSDR protocol and its effects on the brain. He has found that this practice can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rest and digest response. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety and improves sleep quality and overall well-being.

Huberman found that during NSDR, the brain undergoes a series of changes that are similar to what happens during deep sleep. These changes include a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex, an increase in activity in the default mode network, and an increase in slow-wave brain activity. These changes in brain activity are thought to promote deep rest and relaxation, allowing the body to heal and regenerate. And all this can happen in just a 20-minute practice!

But it's important to note that no modern guru invented Yoga Nidra. This practice is an ancient and sacred one that has been passed down through the ages. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest practices can be the most powerful.

At Warrior Two Yoga, we love Yoga Nidra because it is a practice of deep rest and relaxation. In our busy lives, we often forget the importance of taking time to pause and rest. Yoga Nidra provides a sanctuary where you can let go of your daily stressors and simply be. It is a practice of self-care that allows you to nourish yourself on a deep level and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

If you are new to Yoga Nidra, we recommend giving it a try. It's a beautiful practice that can help you access the rest and relaxation you need to feel your best. So, find a comfortable place to lie down, close your eyes, and let the voice of your yoga teacher guide you. You deserve this time to rest, restore