Yoga Nidra affects the body and mind, relaxing the whole system and awakening the psychic body. It is a practice that can last 20 mins for deep relaxation, or an hour or more for very deep relaxation and healing. It is easy to follow, lying comfortably without any radio/television/distractions around you, making sure you are warm and can lie still for the desired time. Ideally the legs are a little apart with the feet falling to the sides, arms a little away from the body with the hands turned up- only if it is comfortable. If lying on your back is uncomfortable lying in the recovery position maybe beneficial.
A positive affirmation is used at the beginning and end of the practice, this should be a clear and precise statement, such as ‘I am successful in all that I undertake’, ‘I am achieving total health and wellbeing’,’ I honour and respect myself’. Creating your own affirmation to help you at the current time is something you should consider, and once you have created it, not to share it with others, and not to change it until you feel you are in need of a new affirmation.
The yoga nidras are free to download and listen to.