Did you know that there’s a style of yoga that just involves relaxing on a mat, blanket or even your bed? And the best part about this style of yoga is that a 45-minute session could leave you feeling like you indulged in a peaceful three-hour nap.
Yoga Nidra is deep rest but it is different from deep sleep, it can be best described as conscious sleep. It takes you to a point where the logical, analytical aspect of the mind is suspended – leading you to a hypnagogic state - —the knife’s edge where the body “sleeps” while the mind is lucid. In this state of deeper relaxation the pineal gland is activated and that releases the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. It can also help manage immune function, blood pressure, cortisol levels and induce restful sleep.
A recent study showed that while meditation and yoga nidra were both effective in reducing anxiety and stress, yoga nidra seemed to be more effective in reducing anxiety. The study also suggested that yoga nidra can be a useful tool in reducing both cognitive and physiological symptoms of anxiety.
With our ever busy anxiety ridden lives, it may be worth adding this class to your weekly rota.
Classes available at Nilaya House in Dubai
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