You will find Savannah guiding lovingly-written, seasonal, Yoga Nidra practices in her workshops and classes throughout ESSEX, as well as offering private, tailored Yoga Nidra online for individuals.
What exactly is Yoga Nidra, you ask?
What Exactly is Yoga Nidra?
Imagine sinking into a state of blissful relaxation, where the chaos of the day melts away, and you find yourself hovering between wakefulness and sleep. That’s Yoga Nidra! Often called “yogic sleep” (though you’re not actually sleeping), it’s a deeply restorative practice that allows you to lie down, sit comfortably, or even rest on your side while gently drifting into a peaceful state of awareness.
Yoga Nidra has been around for centuries. Ancient texts like the Mahabharata (compiled around 300 BCE) mention Lord Vishnu resting in this state of ultimate stillness. In Vedic teachings, sleep itself is considered closer to the state of ananda – it brings a taste of freedom, a glimpse of samadhi. Deep, restful sleep is essential for our well-being, and no practice can replace its natural, rejuvenating power. However, Yoga Nidra can support and complement healthy sleep by helping to resolve the mental and emotional stress that may be disrupting our rest.
So, What Actually Happens During Yoga Nidra?
As you settle in, your breath softens, and you’re guided through sensations, thoughts, and emotions with gentle awareness. The result? Stress melts away, mental chatter quietens, and you’re left feeling lighter, more grounded, and deeply refreshed – as if you’ve pressed a reset button for your nervous system.
Yoga Nidra works by tapping into the autonomic nervous system – the part of your body that runs on autopilot, managing your heartbeat, digestion, metabolism, and more. When we’re stuck in fight-or-flight mode, stress takes a toll on our health. Yoga Nidra activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode), allowing the body to truly relax and restore. This deep relaxation state allows the brain to shift into delta brainwaves – the same state responsible for healing and restoration during deep sleep. It even stimulates the pineal gland, which regulates melatonin, helping to balance our natural sleep-wake cycle.
But let’s be clear -Yoga Nidra is not a replacement for sleep. While it’s often said to feel like four hours of high-quality sleep, it should be used to enhance, not replace, real rest. It can help reduce the hours your body and mind need to feel restored, but sleep itself remains irreplaceable.
Common Misconceptions About Yoga Nidra
With its rising popularity, Yoga Nidra has gained various labels- “Deep Rest,” “Non-Sleep Deep Rest,” “Sleeping Meditation,” or even a manifestation tool. But here’s the truth: Yoga Nidra is not just a relaxation technique, a therapy tool, or a magic wand for wish-fulfilment.
Yoga Nidra is multi-dimensional- it is not just one thing. It is a structured practice, the name of a goddess, and ultimately, a state of consciousness beyond form- a stateless state (turiya). It is the space that follows OM, the bridge between dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption).
Why Try Yoga Nidra?
Well, aside from feeling like a mini holiday for your mind and body, Yoga Nidra has been shown to support everything from stress and anxiety to deep inner transformation. And the best part? You don’t need any previous yoga experience – just a willingness to relax and let go.
The Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Physical Benefits:
★ Supports deep relaxation and reduces physical tension
★ Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
★ Improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia
★ Enhances the body’s natural healing processes
★ Supports hormonal balance, including melatonin regulation
★ Strengthens the immune system
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
★ Reduces stress and anxiety by shifting the nervous system into rest mode
★ Helps process emotions and release stored tension
★ Enhances memory, concentration, and cognitive clarity
★ Provides relief from mental exhaustion and burnout
★ Supports trauma recovery by creating a safe space for inner work
Spiritual & Energetic Benefits:
★ Cultivates a deep meditative state and connection to the subconscious
★ Helps access turiya, the fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and sleep
★ Strengthens self-awareness and inner stillness
★ Supports pranic flow and energetic balance
★ Bridges the gap between meditation and absorption
