Getting Out of Your Head And Into Your Body

Yoga Nidra

One of my favorite practices for reducing anxiety is Yoga Nidra, also commonly referred to as "yogic sleep". Unlike sleeping, the mind remains awake and alert while the body is able to relax. No yoga experience is necessary, it can be practiced at any time of day and anywhere (on a yoga mat, in a chair, on a bed).

I've included a link to a very informative article about the practice from Cleveland Clinic. Read it over so that you have a greater understanding of the practice.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-yoga-nidra/

Ready to practice? Here is a recorded session by Richard Miller that should take around 20 minutes to complete. To prepare:

• Find a quiet location where you will not be disturbed.

• Make yourself comfortable, either on a mat on the floor or in a chair. If you are lying on the floor, have a pillow or a blanket under your head for support as well as under your knees to reduce lower back discomfort.

• Arms can be at your sides with palms up. (If this isn't comfortable, you can place your palms down.) Legs straight with you feet falling open to each side.

• If you are in a chair, make yourself as comfortable as possible.

• Cover yourself with a blanket as your body temperature will drop during the practice.

• When you are ready to start, press play and enjoy!

Richard Miller is the Founder of the iRest Institute. He is renowned for his extensive work with veterans, helping them to effectively manage symptoms of pain and trauma.

Other Yoga Nidra teachers that I enjoy listening to are Molly Birkholm, Robin Carnes, and Amy Weintraub. I recommend that you find a teacher that you enjoy. There are recordings of varying lengths so you should easily be able to find one that will fit into your schedule.

Relax!