We’re all passionate people who are walking a similar path and trying to make a positive difference in the world through our work. But, as rewarding as world changing is and as much as it sets our souls on fire, we have the tendency to burn too bright. We push ourselves too hard, lose ourselves in our work, and let everything else fall by the wayside.
And the harder we push, the more we get done – or at least that’s the way it seems. We think, “I can stay up late and only get a few hours of sleep tonight. I’ll catch up this weekend.” Or, “I should really get to the gym today, but my schedule is so full. Maybe I’ll have time tomorrow.” Then, suddenly, it’s next month and we’ve been averaging less than six hours of sleep a night, we haven’t been to the gym in three weeks, and we’re exhausted.
What if there was a different way?
What if there was a way to get everything done AND take care of ourselves in the process – to create change in the world without getting burned out in the process?
You know those days right after a really relaxing vacation, where you start the day with your brain working at full capacity and the feeling that you can accomplish anything?
Do you have 20 minutes in your day that you can set aside just for you, to relax and reset so that you can feel better prepared to take on the rest of the day?
Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of complete relaxation, holistically addressing both our physiological and neurological needs. The practice begins by using a process of tense-and-release in the physical body, which allows a quieting of the overactive conscious mind, then moves into a meditative state, and gradually enters a state where the brain waves slow down.
Yoga Nidra:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Regulates blood pressure and the adrenal glands
- Allows the body and mind to relax by unwinding the nervous system
- Utilizing this deep relaxation technique can facilitate more efficient work
- 35 minutes of yoga nidra may offer the same rejuvenation of 4 hours of deep sleep
So why am I giving away something so valuable?
I want everyone to have access to this restorative practice, no matter where you live or if you can make it to a yoga class. And, because I have personally experienced the benefits of a daily Yoga Nidra practice; I went for 19 days without sleeping during my yoga teacher training (not on purpose), and I truly believe that Yoga Nidra was the key to staying healthy and balanced during that stress filled time!
Please – take this practice and put it to use. Share it with your friends, and let’s get started building ourselves a place of balance in this world, so that we can more efficiently and effectively create the positive change we wish to see!
It’s only 20 minutes. And you’re worth it!
Ever yours in yoga,
Jessica