Yoga Nidra vs Meditation – An In-depth Comparison

yoga nidra vs meditation

Yoga has been a part of Indian tradition for decades. This ancient art has many techniques to help you enjoy mental and physical health. Although there are different yoga styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga among others yet the technique that stands out from the rest is Yoga Nidra.

Yogic sleep is a powerful technique to manage your body’s relaxation response system. But, there seems to be a lot of confusion between this yogic technique and meditation. This has led to a never-ending debate between proponents of these two yoga forms.

Now, yoga experts are here to lay that debate to rest once and for all. Given below is an in-depth comparison between Yoga Nidra and meditation. But, before that first, let us understand what Yoga Nidra is.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is an effective technique to manage your body’s stress response system. In broader terms, the word Nidra comes from the Sanskrit language means “sleep”. In other words, you practice this yogic technique to enter a state of sleep with awareness.

This yogic technique helps you cultivate conscious relaxation. Daily practice helps your body experience a deeper state of rest.

Do you know the wonderful health benefits that Yoga Nidra offers? Read the information below to know.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra

It goes without doubt that Yoga Nidra helps you heal and grow on a mental and spiritual level.

That is not all! There are some major benefits of its daily practice.

1. Minimizes Anxiety & Stress

The yogic technique of Yoga Nidra is quite effective at taking care of stress & anxiety. Yogic sleep is more effective at minimizing symptoms of anxiety. Daily practice changes the balance of autonomic nervous system with parasympathetic nervous system.

2. Heals Trauma

There have been many studies on the effectiveness of yogic sleep. This powerful yogic technique is effective at helping individuals recover from past trauma. Join a yoga school to learn this yogic exercise from experienced yoga teachers.

3. Helps Minimize Insomnia

Has sleeplessness become a part of your daily routine? Not anymore! Yoga Nidra trains your body and mind to relax. This helps you enter a deep state of sleep with ease. In the long run, practicing Yoga Nidra after dinner prepares you for a deep sleep.

That said! It is time we take a look at what meditation gives your body and mind.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is an ancient technique of training your mind to focus on the right thought and emotion. Daily practice of meditation reduces stress, improves concentration, and increases self-awareness.

The art of meditation is more about being aware of yourself. You do not turn off thoughts and feelings but learn to observe them without any judgment.

That said, let us take a look at what benefits meditation offers to your mind and body.

Benefits of Meditation

Given below are some major benefits of meditation.

1. Improves Emotional Health

Daily meditation improves your self-image. This helps you develop a more positive outlook towards life. Many studies prove that meditation reduces the flow of negative thoughts.

2. Helps Fight Addictions

The discipline that follows a meditation practice helps you get rid of dependency on addictive substances. This comes in the form of more self-control. Moreover, you come to know about the triggers for addictive behaviors.

3. Makes You Compassionate

There are different meditation techniques like Transcendental and Loving-kindness meditation. These increase positive feelings towards yourself and others. Join a certified yoga school to learn about the different forms of meditation.

Now, we will answer the question that has been on everyone’s mind.

What is the Difference Between Yoga Nidra and Meditation?

Both Yoga Nidra and meditation help you experience complete relaxation and bliss. But, these are two completely different yogic practices.

Yogic sleep is a process to help you achieve the state of Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses). But, meditation takes place right after Pratyahara.

The Yoga Nidra is similar to meditation but not the same. In yogic sleep you lie down. The final goal is to enter a deep state of conscious awareness. It requires you to move from consciousness while awake to a dream state. But you do not dream while remaining awake.

Meditation requires you to sit in a waking state of consciousness. This helps focus your mind and lets your thoughts to come and go.

Conclusion

Do you want to experience deeper state of rest and rejuvenation? Join a Yoga Alliance certified yoga school to learn Yoga Nidra from experienced yoga teachers.

Read More:- Bikram Yoga vs Hot Yoga