Yoga Nidra: A Powerful Tool in Any Healing Journey.
- Shannon
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Have you ever been so exhausted yet unable to fall asleep? Imagine discovering a practice that helps you reset—even when sleep feels out of reach.
Why Rest Matters in Recovery and Healing
Sleep and rest are critical to so many areas of our lives, especially when recovering from treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. These treatments place immense demands on our bodies, taxing our energy and resilience. Sleep allows us to shift energy toward healing—repairing tissues, balancing hormones, and supporting brain function. During my own recovery, I learned just how much my body needed restorative rest to rebuild strength and resilience.
Yoga Nidra: My Journey
I discovered Yoga Nidra during one of the most challenging times in my life—conventional cancer treatment. The combination of sickness, weakness, and steroid-induced energy left me feeling completely out of balance. Sleep felt impossible—like trying to tame a hyperactive ferret after it drank a quad espresso. Then I found Yoga Nidra, a practice that helped calm my overstimulated mind and allowed me to find the deep rest my body so desperately needed. Since then, it has become a trusted tool for managing stress, restoring energy, and enhancing my overall well-being. This early experience with Yoga Nidra taught me how valuable rest is—not just for healing but for maintaining balance during everyday stresses.
Practical Benefits
More recently, I’ve been using Yoga Nidra as a mid-day reset. Just 20 minutes of Yoga Nidra can rejuvenate me as much as a strong cup of coffee but without the jittery side effects. Listening to my body has become a non-negotiable part of my wellness routine. If I feel exhausted, I take even 15-20 minutes for Yoga Nidra. Afterward, I feel more balanced, even skipping that second cup-o-joe. This small habit has improved my sleep and energy, creating a positive ripple effect on my overall health.
What is Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra' is also referred to as 'Yogic Sleep.’ Yoga, translated from Sanskrit, means union, and 'Nidra' means sleep. It’s a guided meditation practice that promotes deep relaxation by uniting mind and body. Each practitioner can have different styles or elements. Try out a few until you find one that’s right for you. The Basic Process can include the following.
Start by settling into a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Consider adding a soft pillow under your head or a cozy blanket for extra comfort.
Bringing awareness into your breathing and choosing an affirmation or personal resolve.
Begin a ‘Rotation of Consciousness’ by bringing awareness to different parts of the body moving from right to left in a particular order.
Return to breath awareness, sometimes counting down from a number.
Shift the focus to opposite sensations, such as heavy and light, alternating right and left, or heat and cold. Visualizations are sometimes included at this point.
Ending the practice by coming out slowly and gradually.
Finding a Yoga Nidra Meditation
Yoga Nidra: A Powerful Tool in Any Healing Journey. You can easily find a multitude of guided Yoga Nidra medications on apps like Insight Timer, YouTube, and even Spotify.
One of my favorites is Yoga Nidra Freedom Nature by Jennifer Piercy on Instant Timer
Perfect for beginners and simple to follow is 61 Points of Light Body Scan by Andrea Francine Andrea from Speaking My Peace is an international yoga instructor, meditation coach, certified Reiki Master, and all-around beautiful soul with whom I continue to cross paths.
Reflecting on Rest: Questions for a Healthier You
How would it feel to experience more rest in your life?
Which areas of your life are most impacted by lack of sleep?
What’s one small step you can take today to prioritize rest and relaxation?
Yoga Nidra is a magical tool to have in your wellness toolbox. If you’d like to explore this practice or learn more tips for rest and recovery, subscribe to my blog and join me on the journey toward better health.
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