How often do you feel overwhelmed by worries of the past or uncertainties about the future? Many of us get stuck in a loop, worrying about what we could have changed in the past while worrying about future scenarios, most of which might never occur! In this chaos, we often ignore the present moment, causing significant mental stress.
Meditation is a great way to bring awareness to the present and focus on one thing at a time. One type of meditation you could try is Yoga Nidra, which aims to help you completely relax your body and mind. Yoga Nidra and meditation have many similarities, and they are often confused as being the same practice. Let’s understand the differences between Yoga Nidra and meditation, Yoga Nidra benefits and how these practices can help you.
Understanding the Similarities Between Meditation and Yoga Nidra
Both Yoga Nidra and meditation are helpful practices that can aid your spiritual journey, enhance your intuition, and make you feel relaxed. There are multiple Yoga Nidra and meditation benefits as these practices aim to calm the mind and body by changing your state of consciousness and increasing your self-awareness. The techniques used in both forms are also very similar. If you seek more mental clarity and relaxation, try either or both of these modalities.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra comprises two Sanskrit words: ‘Yoga’ meaning union, and ‘Nidra’ meaning sleep. It is a meditative state that bridges deep sleep and wakefulness. This practice originated in ancient India and was popularised to promote relaxation and effectively deal with physical and mental health issues such as fatigue, PTSD, anxiety, aches, and pains.
In this practice, a person enters a deeply relaxed state, considered as “conscious sleep.” Practitioners shift their awareness inward, lying in Shavasana (corpse pose) to completely relax the mind and body. Yoga Nidra takes you deeper into the Pancha Maya Kosha (the five layers of self), allowing you to get in touch with yourself more deeply. It activates the pineal gland, responsible for producing melatonin, which helps manage the body’s immunity, cortisol levels, blood pressure, and sleep patterns.
You can start with a short 15-minute session of Yoga Nidra and gradually move to longer sessions as you deepen your practice to see the full effects of Yoga Nidra benefits. You can do it on a mat, bed, or recliner. Approach it with a clear intention in your mind, reflecting on your practice to understand what needs your attention and how you can work through it.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a conscious practice where a person brings more focus and awareness to their thoughts and feelings. It is an umbrella term that includes many different practices. Using techniques such as deep breathing or visualisation, you bring attention to the present moment. The intent is to clear the clutter from our minds by paying attention to what is happening within us at any given time. Through meditation, a person aims to achieve clarity and peace, being present without getting carried away by thoughts of the past or future
Benefits of Yoga Nidra and Meditation
Practicing Yoga Nidra and meditation can enhance your well-being. Both practices are beneficial for your physical and mental health, making you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and fulfilled.
Yoga Nidra Benefits
- Promotes deep relaxation of the mind and body
- Helps fight tiredness
- Lowers stress levels and helps deal with anxiety
- Restores energy levels
Meditation Benefits
- Increases concentration and awareness
- Balances the nervous system
- Helps focus on the present
- Brings clarity and mental peace
Yoga Nidra vs. Meditation: How are They Different?
| Yoga Nidra | Meditation |
|---|---|
| In Yoga Nidra, the sense of time seems to collapse as the practitioner is in a deeply relaxed state. | Meditation aims to increase the practitioner’s awareness of the present moment, making them more mindful of their inner state. |
| The person lies down in Shavasana (corpse pose) to enter a sleep-like state. | It is mainly practiced for calmness and relaxation, freeing the mind and body of stuck energies. |
| Yoga Nidra can be easily practiced by beginners as it is a guided practice, making it easier to relax. | Meditation is more advanced, requiring one to bring awareness inward by letting go of multiple thoughts. |
| Yoga Nidra is a free-flowing practice allowing the practitioner to drift into relaxation without actively directing consciousness. | Traditional meditation requires focusing on a particular point to achieve oneness with the universe or a higher power. |
| It is mainly practised for calmness and relaxation, freeing the mind and body of stuck energies. | Meditation is done for spiritual growth, increasing intuitive power, and focusing on the present moment. |
Both practices have multiple benefits, and you can try both to see which works best for you. This can help you deepen your connection with yourself and uncover the layers of your true self. Both practices help you gain better control over your mind and body and delve into your subconscious. Yoga Nidra and meditation are powerful tools that can unlock the power of your mind and bring you closer to spiritual growth, awareness, and peace. Explore the guided meditations on our website to get started!
Sources
- Desai, Kamini. “Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and Hypnosis: Key Differences.” Kamini Desai, 8 Dec. 2021.
- Jain, Ram. “Yoga Nidra vs Meditation: Key Differences, Similarities & Benefits.” Arhanta Yoga Ashrams, 29 Apr. 2024.
- Jeraci, Allison Ray. “What Is Yoga Nidra & Its Benefits.” Yoga International, Yoga International, 8 Jan. 2017.
- Johnsen, Linda. “The Koshas: 5 Layers of Being.” Home, Yoga International, 8 July 2014.
- “Meditation: What It Is, Benefits & Types.” Cleveland Clinic, 22 May 2024.
- Stewart, Caroline. “Yoga Nidra vs. Meditation: Everything You Need to Know.” Insight Timer Blog, 6 Apr. 2024.
- “What Is Yoga Nidra?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 30 Apr. 2024.
