Why Mums Should Embrace Yoga Nidra
Most people are pretty aware of yoga these days and the benefits of doing asana (the physical poses), but Yoga Nidra is something that lots of people still haven’t heard of. When it comes to Maternal Wellbeing, Yoga Nidra can be a valuable tool in our kit. So, what is it and why should mums be doing it?
Yoga Nidra is a form of Guided Yoga Meditation. It’s also known as ‘Yogic sleep’ and it is said that just 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 2-4 hours of sleep… and what new mum couldn’t do with that! It’s suitable for beginners and as it is practiced lying down you don’t need any fancy equipment or need to worry about being flexible, fit, or anything else.
Okay, so now you have an idea of what it is, why is it worth you exploring more? Let’s take a look:
Deep Relaxation: As a new mum, you deserve moments of deep relaxation and rejuvenation - which aren’t always easy to get. Yoga Nidra offers a simple and easy systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. By practicing Yoga Nidra, you can experience a state of profound calmness, allowing your body and mind to release tension and stress.
Stress Reduction: Motherhood comes with a multitude of responsibilities which can lead to increased stress levels. Yoga Nidra provides a powerful tool to manage and reduce stress by activating the body's relaxation response, helping you find a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Improved Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is essential for new mums to restore and recharge, but many new mums suffer from a lack of sleep or poor sleep quality, which can continue for years. Yoga Nidra can be a valuable aid in improving sleep quality. By practicing Yoga Nidra before bed, you can calm the mind, release racing thoughts, and enter a state of deep rest. This promotes better sleep patterns, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Emotional Balance: Motherhood can bring a whirlwind of emotions whether it’s worrying about pregnancy, the birth, bringing your newborn home, or taking them out and about! Yoga Nidra supports emotional balance by helping you become aware of how you are feeling and then managing those emotions. By cultivating mindfulness and a non-judgmental attitude, Yoga Nidra allows you to observe your emotions without getting overwhelmed by them. This practice can bring a sense of emotional stability and resilience.
Self-Care and Self-Connection: As a new mum, it's crucial to prioritise self-care and nurture your own well-being. But it isn’t easy, especially in those early days. Yoga Nidra can provide a space for self-connection, allowing you to tune in to your inner self, needs, and desires in just a few minutes and without even having to leave home. By taking the time to practice Yoga Nidra, you can develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and a deeper connection with yourself, all of which benefits you AND those around you.
Enhanced Energy Levels: Let’s be honest, life can be exhausting anyway and Motherhood requires significant physical and mental energy, sometimes at a seemingly superhuman level. Yoga Nidra offers a practice that replenishes and restores your energy levels. By entering a state of deep relaxation, you allow your body to rejuvenate and restock its energy reserves. Think of it as the ultimate battery recharger for mind, body, and soul. A regular practice of Yoga Nidra can leave you feeling more energized, revitalized, and ready to tackle the demands of motherhood - no matter how crazy!
Mind-Body Integration: Yoga Nidra is a truly beautiful way to create and strengthen a harmonious connection between the mind and body. Through guided relaxation and visualisation, you can cultivate a deeper awareness of the sensations and messages from your body. This mind-body integration can foster a greater sense of balance, grounding, inner confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Incorporating Yoga Nidra into your routine as a mum can provide you with valuable moments of peace, relaxation, stress reduction, and self-care. If you are ready to embrace this transformative practice and discover the profound benefits it can bring to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being then I invite you to join my FREE Mama Love Library where you can get a free Yoga Nidra track to download as well as lots of other resources for new mamas like you. Let me know how you enjoy it in the comments below.
