Not sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone. Over 35 percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health.
There are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually reduce your life expectancy. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.
Thankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.
Yoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.
To enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.
You can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.
Other than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways.
Studies show that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.
Yoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful
Improves sleep
Eases symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Reduces stress and anxiety
Increases relaxation
Reduces depression and addiction
Calms the mind
Increases breathing capacity
So, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at MyYogaTeacher. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable.
Yoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.
While it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.
Typically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.
You can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down.
Gently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness.
Once your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.
Yoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an online class to ease stress and anxiety. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice.
If you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by signing up for a free, two-week trial of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation.
You can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably.
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{"slug":"yoga-nidra-for-sleep","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clajio95v4kub0bhdunb73jkm","slug":"win-a-trip-to-goa-for-two","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Win a Trip to Goa for Two!","createdAt":"2022-11-16T10:44:51.422451+00:00","coverUrl":"iwjymnbfeqkztgu7bxbu.png","content":{"text":"We want your help with spreading our mission – to improve health and happiness across the world\\n\\nOne of the easiest ways you can do that is by telling your friends and family about yoga and all its benefits.\\n\\nKnow someone with back pain?\\n Tell them about 1-on-1 yoga sessions\n\\nKnow someone who is stressed, anxious, or depressed?\\n Tell them about yoga and meditation\\nKnow someone who wants to get in shape, build strength, or lose a few pounds?\\n Tell them about 1-on-1 or group yoga sessions!\\n\\nYoga has helped millions of people across the world. \\n1-on-1 sessions and group classes with MyYogaTeacher have already changed thousands of people’s lives for the better\\n. \\nSo to make telling your friends about MyYogaTeacher a lot more interesting this holiday season, we’ve created a giveaway contest for anyone who refers friends or family to MyYogaTeacher.\\n\\n\\n\\nGiveaway Contest - prizes & dates\\n\\nOne grand-prize winner\\n will get an all expense paid trip to Goa for two! (more on that below).\\n\n\\nTen other winners\\n will get a \\ntop-of-the-line Manduka Yoga Mat\\n ($129 value). \\nManduka yoga mats are extremely high quality; arguably the best yoga mats on the market.\\n\n\\nThe \\ngiveaway contest ends on Dec 15, 2022\\n. The winners will be drawn then. The \\nmore entries you have, the more chances to win\\n. Read more below to find out how to get more entries.\\n\\n\\n\\nHow to enter the giveaway contest\\n\\nUse your personal share link to tell your friends and family about MyYogaTeacher \\n(\\nyou can find your link here, on the “Tell a Friend” page\\n when you're logged in)\\nYou get 1 entry for each group class your friends take, and 3 entries for each 1-on-1 session.\\nSessions during their free trial, or after they sign up for membership all count to give you more entries.\\nThe \\nmore friends you invite, and the more sessions they take - the more chances you get to win\\n the grand prize trip to Goa!\n\\n\\nGrand Prize trip to Goa for Two\\n\\nIf you win the prize, you can use it \\nanytime within the next 2 years\\n. MyYogaTeacher will pay for \\n2 round trip tickets to India\\n (up to $1,500 each). And \\nfive nights at \\nthe Zuri White Sands Resort\\n (5-star resort), with \\nall meals included\\n.\\n\\nMyYogaTeacher will also \\narrange your transportation to and from the Goa International airport\\n and the resort. So \\nno hassle for you!\\n\\nIf you'd like to \\nvisit friends or family while in India\\n, MyYogaTeacher will not cover the additional costs. But we will work with you on getting tickets to and from India that make this possible for you.\\n\n\\nNote\\n: This is a marketing promotion to help spread the word about MyYogaTeacher. The goal is to bring in friends and family of our community, people who are also genuinely interested in yoga - who want to improve their fitness, health and/or mental health. And because this is a huge grand prize, \\nwe can only award it if we are able to bring in 100 or more members through this promotion\\n. If less referred people become members, we won't be able to award the grand prize, and will only be able to award the 10 Manduka yoga mats. If you have any questions, please reach out to care@myyogateacher.com\\n\\n\\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions\\n\\nHow are winners selected?\\nAfter Dec 15, 2022, the winners will be randomly selected from all entries into the giveaway. Each time your newly referred friends or family take sessions, you get more entries. So the more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning!\\n\\nWhere can I find my link to tell friends, so I can enter the giveaway?\\nTo enter the giveaway, your friends (or family) must sign up using your unique referral link. You can find your link on \\nthe \"Refer\" page here\\n. You must be logged in to access your link.\\n\\nHow many entries can I get?\\nThere is no limit to the number of entries you can get.\\nWhenever you refer friends and they join sessions, you get more entries. For each group class they take, you get 1 entry. For each 1-on-1 session they take, you get 3 entries.\\nThis applies to both free sessions in their trial, and sessions after they sign up for membership.\\nAll sessions completed before the giveaway contest end date, Dec 15th, give you more entries.\\n\\nWhat does my friend or family member get when they sign up using my referral link?\\nThey get a 2-week free trial - unlimited group classes plus three free 1-on-1 sessions.\\n\\nWhat about other rewards for telling friends someone?\\nThis is an additional promotion. You will still get any other rewards for referrals.\\n\nIf you have any questions, please email us at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n"}},{"id":"ckjzsnznc20t50a348322km3t","slug":"yoga-back-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"6 Ways Yoga Provides Natural Back Pain Relief","createdAt":"2021-01-16T14:16:50.985153+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-cliff-booth-4056723.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’ve ever experienced any sort of back pain, you’ll know exactly how debilitating it can be. After all, your back and all its parts are what keeps all the rest of your body parts moving.\\n\\nWhether it’s from an injury, osteoporosis, \\narthritis\\n, muscle atrophy, job related, or due to poor core strength, back pain is...well, a pain.\\n\\nRelief from that sort of pain can be hard to come by and may require multiple types of treatment options.\\n\\nYoga for back pain is almost certainly a safe and good one. \\n\\nRestorative and recovery yoga poses can help alleviate ongoing back pain without you ever leaving your house (or spending any money).\\n\\nLet’s talk about how yoga can provide natural, safe pain relief.\\n\\n1. Yoga is mind-body therapy\\n\\nYoga isn’t just physical. It’s also mental. \\n\\nYoga movements are designed to bring harmony to your inner and outer self. By using your breath and moving through recovery yoga asanas, you will naturally release tension from many areas of your body, including your back. Those muscles will relax. And you will experience less pain.\\n\\nLess pain equals less stress because of the pain.\\n\\nAnd less stress creates an even more meditative, relaxed state. It’s like a circle where all the parts of your yoga practice work together for a common goal.\\n\\nPracticing yoga for back pain even a few minutes a day will create body awareness and help you notice where you’re holding tension that might be contributing to your discomfort.\\n\\n2. Tight hamstrings contribute to back pain\\n\\nYour legs may not be the first thing you think of being the cause of your pain, but often they are a big contributor to it. \\n\\nTightness in your hamstrings creates increased stress on your lower back and can lead to sciatica and lower back pain. Your hamstring muscles are attached from your hips, down the back of each thigh and stop behind your kneecaps.\\n\\nYoga is an excellent way to cure back pain that is a result of tight hamstrings!\\n\\nIf you sit for long periods of time or are primarily sedentary, your hamstrings are probably pretty tense and would benefit from a consistent yoga practice.\\n\\n3. A stronger core is key to back pain relief\\n\\nWe know you’ve heard it before, but we’re saying it again. Strong abdominal muscles are imperative to back health.\\n\\nThere’s a reason core strength is a part of almost any exercise regimen you hear or read about.\\n\\nWeak core muscles mean your back and spine are doing all the heavy lifting to keep your body upright. Over time, this puts a ton of undue stress on your back causing...you guessed it. Back pain. Or even i\\nnjury\\n.\\n\\nThe good news is yoga isn’t just about stretching. It’s about strengthening and toning. As a matter of fact, increasing core strength is an integral part of almost any yoga class. \\n\\nYou don’t have to do an endless number of monotonous crunches to develop excellent core strength.\\n\\nYoga combines poses and breathwork that require you to use your core muscles consistently throughout the flows.\\n\\n4. Sleep better, hurt less\\n\\nHave you ever done a nice calming yoga practice before bed? If you have, you’ll understand why we believe a yoga for back pain session will help you sleep better.\\n\\nWhen you sleep, your brain and body recover from the stress and tension of the day. That’s kind of the point. But if you’re in pain, it’s hard to sleep. And if you’re not sleeping well, your body (and back) aren’t healing.\\n\\nIt’s a vicious cycle.\\n\\nWe encourage you to seek out a nice, calm, meditative yin yoga practice with a focus on relieving back pain and make it a part of your nightly routine. \\n\\n5. Yoga releases endorphins\\n\\nIf you’re not familiar with endorphins, they are the feel good chemicals that are released into your body when you exercise, get excited about something, or eat something yummy!\\n\\nEndorphins have also been shown to block pain signals from entering your brain. They help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to back pain. So it makes sense that doing things that release this important hormone as much as possible will benefit you.\\n\\nYoga is one of those things. There is nothing like finishing your yoga practice in corpse pose and experiencing that natural and safe high that comes from the release of all the tension in your body.\\n\\nNot to mention, yoga is probably THE safest and most natural way to relieve back pain. \\n\\n6. Happiness is a pain killer\\n\\nHave you ever noticed when you’re happy, you don’t notice pain as much? That’s because your pain levels are probably lower.\\n\\nBeing unhappy affects your mental, physical, and (obviously) emotional health. Relationships, immunity, gut health, pain levels. Unhappiness makes focusing on tasks and making good decisions harder.\\n\\nIt just wreaks havoc on your life.\\n\\nAny kind of physical pain detracts from you happiness. We’ve already discussed how stretching, toning, meditating, and sleeping reduce stress on your back and body, and provides pain relief. Which, in turn, will make you happier.\\n\\nHowever, a consistent regular yoga practice is just...well, fun. It’s an activity that just feels good. \\n\\nDoing activities that make you happy are, themselves, helpful for pain relief!\\n\\n\\nThis isn’t an exhaustive list of how yoga cures back pain. It’s just the beginning! Yoga is safe for all ages, all fitness levels and can be practiced almost anywhere you feel comfortable. And while it’s not a cure all for every ache, pain, or injury you may have, it certainly is an excellent way to help you feel better fast.\\n\\nAre you looking for the perfect yoga class to ease your back pain? Free yourself from discomfort with myYogaTeacher’s experienced yoga instructors. They have a long history of success! You can \\nget your free trial here!\\n No credit card required!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"cl7zwz24chnlt0biyk8wtb0cj","slug":"start-hatha-yoga-practice","author":{"name":"Namrata Khandelwal","teacherMytSlug":"namrata-2","pictureUrl":"namrata-k-pro.jpg"},"title":"Interested in starting a Hatha yoga practice? 10 tips to get started!","createdAt":"2022-09-13T08:10:21.940734+00:00","coverUrl":"kwfhavtczeih1sjadbhk.jpg","content":{"text":"Are you new to yoga? Looking to develop a practice but don’t know what style or where to begin? Hatha yoga is a great choice for beginners looking to build a routine or veterans looking to deepen their practice of breathing and flexibility.\\nFirst things first, What is Hatha Yoga?\\nHatha yoga is a form of gentle yoga made up of poses and breath work and often starts or ends with a meditation. This type of practice can be challenging because in most traditional Hatha classes, poses are held for 30 seconds to a minute. \\nStyles of Hatha Yoga that we offer at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n:\\nHatha Yoga - This practice focuses separately on each asana. Focusing on connecting each asana with the breath and deepening each pose. This practice allows for breaks between poses and is more gentle and slow paced. \\nHatha Vinyasa - Known as a flow class, adding in the vinyasa makes the practice a little more fast paced. The poses are more linked together and the movement is connected to your breath work. \\nWhat are the benefits of a Hatha Yoga Practice?\\nThere are many benefits to building a hatha yoga practice. On the surface, for your physical health, hatha can increase flexibility, strength and balance! Hatha is proven to fight signs of aging and help with joint or muscle pain and improve blood flow!\\nWhen you turn your practice inward, it can also deepen your sleep and with the addition of the breathwork, your practice can also help you cope with anxiety or depression symptoms. \\nHatha is a great place to start your yoga journey because you can take your time to get familiar with the poses and learn to connect them to your breath. It’s good for the body and the mind!\\nHere are 10 tips to get you started with a Hatha Yoga Practice:\\nKnow your why - Before you start to build your practice, it’s important to establish why you’re coming to your mat. Is your reason for physical health, mental health or maybe just to press pause on your day and breathe? Each flow can be personalized for whatever brings you to your mat each day.\\nBe a student! - Take a class with us so you can learn how to flow on your own. Sometimes before you fly solo, you need a co-captain. And if you never decide to fly on your own, we're happy to have you here with us! Our teachers are the best and we think you'll love their classes!\n\nCheck out these three Hatha classes we love!\n\\nHatha for Beginners\\n\n\\nHatha Yoga Intermediate\\n\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n\\nLearn to breath - In this practice, you'll be holding in poses and breathing into the space you create. The traditional breath practice for a hatha yoga class is\\n Ujjayi breathing\\n otherwise known as victorious breath. This breathing practice is often used in yoga because it forces you to slow down and focus on your breathing and its connection to your movement. \\nChoose your asasas - While Hatha is usually a gentle practice, there is no right or wrong way to build your Hatha flow. The goal is just to focus and move your body! All you need is a minimum of three to five poses to get started! Start by reviewing the poses you know and then when you’re ready, add more as you grow.\\nPractice your pause - once you know what asanas you’d like to practice, grab a stopwatch! Work on holding each pose for 30 seconds, then 45 seconds, then a minute. Don’t forget to breathe into it. And if you can, try to find space and deepen into each pose as you practice more. \\nFind a way to beat the mental fatigue - Don’t give in to the voice in your head that says you can’t do this. Holding the poses can be difficult at first. Have a little grace and try your best not to give up. Practice your mantras to keep you going. Our favorite? Your stronger than you think!\\nBuild a meditation practice - When building a meditation practice, it’s important to figure out what you need from it. Do you need mantras to help you keep going? Do you need to visual what's coming? Or do you need to focus inward on your breath and the current moment. Remember, there’s no wrong answer. Play with this practice. Add it to the beginning, then the end and see where it serves you. Can’t settle in for quiet reflection? Try journaling instead. \\nBe benevolent to yourself - In Hatha yoga, one of the most important practices is the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) this means do no harm to yourself or to others Try to go through your life being kind to yourself on and off your mat. For more on this practice, check out \\nthis article\\n by Yogauonline\\nRead the text- Like a lot of Yoga, hatha isn’t just based on a movement practice. In fact, there are two connected texts to teach you the foundations of this practice. \\nHatha Yoga Pradipika \\n- a 15th century Sanskrit manual on the practice and style. \\nSiva Samhita\\n - from the hindu perspective breaking “yoga” the practice, down into five parts.\\nTrack the progress of your practice - Once you’ve developed your practice, there is no ‘ end' in yoga, we can only keep coming back to deepen or extend our practice. That’s why it’s a “practice” because there is no perfect. You can always adjust. Some days you’ll need more, some days less. But all the days…you'll need yoga. \\nFive poses to get started with Hatha Yoga:\\n1. Childs Pose\\nFocus on your third eye here. Move your head from right to left to massage your forehead.\\n\\n\n2. Cat Pose\\nBreath into your spine as you arch your back away from the floor. Relax your neck.\\n\\n\\n3. Down Dog\\nFocus on lengthening your heels into the floor and pushing your hips towards the back of the room. \\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold\\nSurrender into this pose. Reach your palms towards the floor and deepen your stretch with every exhale.\\n\\n\\n5. Savasana\\nRelax your entire body into the ground. Release all the tension and slow your breath. \\n\\n\nNow that you have the tools you need, you’re ready to go! Find where your practice fits best and get ready to feel relaxed and enlightened! If you’re doing hatha for physical health, try adding the practice in after another workout or at the end of your day. \\nLooking to build a practice for relaxation or to wind down from your anxiety? Try starting your day with practice and a cup of green tea! \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n has tons of options available to you! See you on your mat! "}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"cl7g7jip0fjcv0eim6def65cy","slug":"yoga-nidra-for-sleep","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga Nidra for Sleep","createdAt":"2022-08-30T13:10:49.183409+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-09-30T14:35:53.475211+00:00","coverUrl":"p9x3cqj0uai5aewn58s9.jpg","seoDescription":null,"content":{"text":"Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice\\nNot sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.\\n \\nOver 35 percent of Americans\\n get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. \\nThere are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually\\n \\nreduce your life expectancy\\n. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.\\nThankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.\\nYoga Nidra for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.\\nTo enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.\\nYou can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga Nidra\\nOther than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. \\n\\nStudies show\\n that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.\\nYoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful\\nSome of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:\\nImproves sleep\\nEases symptoms of trauma and PTSD\\nReduces stress and anxiety\\nIncreases relaxation\\nReduces depression and addiction\\nCalms the mind\\nIncreases breathing capacity\\nYoga Nidra Meditation\\nSo, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. \\nYoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga Nidra\\nWhile it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.\\nTypically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.\\nYou can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. \\nGently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. \\nOnce your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.\\n\\nOnline Yoga for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an\\n \\nonline class to ease stress and anxiety\\n. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. \\nIf you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by\\n \\nsigning up for a free, two-week trial\\n of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. \\nYou can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. ","html":"<h2>Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice</h2><p>Not sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.<a title=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\"> <u>Over 35 percent of Americans</u></a> get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. </p><p>There are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually<a title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\"> <u>reduce your life expectancy</u></a>. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.</p><p>Thankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.</p><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.</p><p>To enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.</p><p>You can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:3000,height:2000/dkS5afe3RsO7PdyxCKL4\" alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\" title=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep.jpg\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" /><h2>Benefits of Yoga Nidra</h2><p>Other than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. </p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.</p><p>Yoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful</p><h3>Some of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:</h3><ul><li><div><p><strong>Improves sleep</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Eases symptoms of trauma and PTSD</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces stress and anxiety</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases relaxation</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces depression and addiction</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Calms the mind</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases breathing capacity</strong></p></div></li></ul><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra Meditation</strong></h2><p>So, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at<a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\"><u> MyYogaTeacher</u></a>. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. </p><p>Yoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:2759,height:1839/6XWJEu9xTJe4MstNQlqr\" alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\" title=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep.jpg\" width=\"2759\" height=\"1839\" /><h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga Nidra</strong></h2><p>While it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.</p><p>Typically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.</p><p>You can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. </p><p>Gently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. </p><p>Once your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:2409,height:1606/TvIDMD7MS0K9THP3i4EN\" alt=\"Yoga For Sleep\" title=\"Yoga For Sleep.jpg\" width=\"2409\" height=\"1606\" /><h2><strong>Online Yoga for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\"> <u>online class to ease stress and anxiety</u></a>. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. </p><p>If you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"> <u>signing up for a free, two-week trial</u></a> of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. </p><p>You can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. </p>"},"category":["anxiety","therapy"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2>Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice</h2><p>Not sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.<a title=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\"> <u>Over 35 percent of Americans</u></a> get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. </p><p>There are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually<a title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\"> <u>reduce your life expectancy</u></a>. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.</p><p>Thankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.</p><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.</p><p>To enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.</p><p>You can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.</p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:3000,height:2000/dkS5afe3RsO7PdyxCKL4\" \n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:3000,height:2000/dkS5afe3RsO7PdyxCKL4\"\n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:3000,height:2000/dkS5afe3RsO7PdyxCKL4\"\n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h2>Benefits of Yoga Nidra</h2><p>Other than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. </p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.</p><p>Yoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful</p><h3>Some of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:</h3><ul><li><div><p><strong>Improves sleep</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Eases symptoms of trauma and PTSD</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces stress and anxiety</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases relaxation</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces depression and addiction</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Calms the mind</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases breathing capacity</strong></p></div></li></ul><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra Meditation</strong></h2><p>So, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at<a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\"><u> MyYogaTeacher</u></a>. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. </p><p>Yoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.</p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:2759,height:1839/6XWJEu9xTJe4MstNQlqr\" \n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:2759,height:1839/6XWJEu9xTJe4MstNQlqr\"\n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:2759,height:1839/6XWJEu9xTJe4MstNQlqr\"\n alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga Nidra</strong></h2><p>While it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.</p><p>Typically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.</p><p>You can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. </p><p>Gently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. </p><p>Once your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.</p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:2409,height:1606/TvIDMD7MS0K9THP3i4EN\" \n alt=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:2409,height:1606/TvIDMD7MS0K9THP3i4EN\"\n alt=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:2409,height:1606/TvIDMD7MS0K9THP3i4EN\"\n alt=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n title=\"Yoga For Sleep\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h2><strong>Online Yoga for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\"> <u>online class to ease stress and anxiety</u></a>. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. </p><p>If you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"> <u>signing up for a free, two-week trial</u></a> of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. </p><p>You can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. </p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-nidra-for-sleep","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-nidra-for-sleep","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! 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If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.\\n \\nOver 35 percent of Americans\\n get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. \\nThere are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually\\n \\nreduce your life expectancy\\n. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.\\nThankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.\\nYoga Nidra for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.\\nTo enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.\\nYou can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga Nidra\\nOther than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. \\n\\nStudies show\\n that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.\\nYoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful\\nSome of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:\\nImproves sleep\\nEases symptoms of trauma and PTSD\\nReduces stress and anxiety\\nIncreases relaxation\\nReduces depression and addiction\\nCalms the mind\\nIncreases breathing capacity\\nYoga Nidra Meditation\\nSo, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. \\nYoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga Nidra\\nWhile it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.\\nTypically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.\\nYou can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. \\nGently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. \\nOnce your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.\\n\\nOnline Yoga for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an\\n \\nonline class to ease stress and anxiety\\n. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. \\nIf you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by\\n \\nsigning up for a free, two-week trial\\n of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. \\nYou can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. ","html":"<h2>Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice</h2><p>Not sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.<a title=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\" href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data_statistics.html\"> <u>Over 35 percent of Americans</u></a> get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. </p><p>There are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually<a title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864873/\"> <u>reduce your life expectancy</u></a>. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.</p><p>Thankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.</p><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.</p><p>To enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.</p><p>You can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:3000,height:2000/dkS5afe3RsO7PdyxCKL4\" alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep\" title=\"Yoga Nidra For Sleep.jpg\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" /><h2>Benefits of Yoga Nidra</h2><p>Other than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. </p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.</p><p>Yoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful</p><h3>Some of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:</h3><ul><li><div><p><strong>Improves sleep</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Eases symptoms of trauma and PTSD</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces stress and anxiety</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases relaxation</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Reduces depression and addiction</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Calms the mind</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Increases breathing capacity</strong></p></div></li></ul><h2><strong>Yoga Nidra Meditation</strong></h2><p>So, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at<a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-online-classes/yoga-nidra\"><u> MyYogaTeacher</u></a>. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. </p><p>Yoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:2759,height:1839/6XWJEu9xTJe4MstNQlqr\" alt=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep\" title=\"Yoga Nidra For Deep Sleep.jpg\" width=\"2759\" height=\"1839\" /><h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga Nidra</strong></h2><p>While it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.</p><p>Typically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.</p><p>You can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. </p><p>Gently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. </p><p>Once your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:2409,height:1606/TvIDMD7MS0K9THP3i4EN\" alt=\"Yoga For Sleep\" title=\"Yoga For Sleep.jpg\" width=\"2409\" height=\"1606\" /><h2><strong>Online Yoga for Sleep</strong></h2><p>Yoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety-beginner-level-by-Nandeep\"> <u>online class to ease stress and anxiety</u></a>. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. </p><p>If you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"> <u>signing up for a free, two-week trial</u></a> of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. </p><p>You can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. </p>"},"category":["anxiety","therapy"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}
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