Yoga Nidra is a meditative relaxation technique that can relieve stress and promote well-being. It can also help you tap into your creativity and intuition.
You can find guided yoga nidra videos of various lengths on YouTube. There are also a lot of apps. I like one called Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation.
What to expect…the basic steps:
1. Get into savasana, the corpse pose, which is basically lying down on your back, arms by your side and feet slightly apart. Adjust for comfort.
2. Relax your body and mind. Common relaxation techniques include watching your breathing or placing your attention on different parts of your body and consciously relaxing.
3. Focus on a sankalpa, which is an affirmation to connect to your true nature. San refers to your higher nature, and kalpa means vow or commitment. Keep it short and simple. Repeat it in your head three times.
4. Move your awareness to the different parts of your body. This is easier when you follow a video or a pre-recorded script.
5. Count your breaths.
6. Then videos or scripts often will run through a series of images to visualize. This will help you mentally relax.
7. Repeat the sankalpa three times.
8. Rouse yourself gently and you’re done!