Chapter 1: My Battle with Anxiety

A year ago, I found myself overwhelmed by self-doubt and anxiety, which led to panic attacks and sleepless nights. Each night, I lay awake, my mind spiraling with negative thoughts that robbed me of joy. Despite landing my first job and feeling satisfied with my income, I still felt like a failure. My inner critic told me I was unworthy and that everyone would abandon me if they truly knew me. This relentless self-talk consumed me, ultimately leading me to quit my job, only to be greeted with more self-loathing.

The cycle was vicious: anxiety prevented me from sleeping, which in turn stifled my creativity and amplified my self-doubt. In April 2023, I resolved to break this exhausting loop and improve my mental well-being. This post will delve into:

• The benefits of Yoga Nidra
• Steps to practice it effectively
• My personal journey and insights after 390 days of practice
• The current state of my mental health

Why I Chose Yoga Nidra

During my search for solutions, I stumbled upon a podcast featuring Andrew Huberman, which introduced me to Yoga Nidra. This practice stood out to me as a dual-purpose tool: it alleviates stress and promotes restful sleep. Intrigued, I began exploring its depths.

Yoga Nidra, often referred to as "yogic sleep," is a meditative state that exists between wakefulness and sleep. Despite my interest, I initially struggled with meditation; confronting my thoughts was intimidating. Seeking guidance from my friend Julie, who had experience with meditation, I expressed my fears. She reassured me, saying, "It's okay; remember, they're just thoughts. Don't give them power." Taking her advice to heart, I committed to practicing Yoga Nidra daily.

Steps to Perform Yoga Nidra

You can practice Yoga Nidra at any time, except immediately after meals. I preferred it at night for better sleep. The process takes about 50 minutes, so it's essential to fully engage without rushing. Here's how to do it:

1. Lie down on a yoga mat, ensuring your body is aligned and straight. Spread your arms out to your sides, palms facing up, and close your eyes. Begin with a few deep breaths.
2. Start by directing your attention to your right foot, holding focus there to release any tension. Gradually shift your awareness up through your right leg—knee, thigh, hip—until you encompass the entire limb.
3. Repeat this process on your left leg, then move your attention to your abdomen, chest, arms, and face.
4. Finally, concentrate on the space between your eyebrows, taking a deep breath and feeling a sense of weightlessness. When ready, sit up slowly and open your eyes.

My 390-Day Journey: Initial Challenges

In the first few weeks of practicing Yoga Nidra, I struggled immensely. The moment I closed my eyes, intrusive thoughts would flood my mind, making it impossible to relax. I often succumbed to the urge to quit after just a minute. However, on the fourth day, I resolved to complete the practice despite my discomfort. That night, I felt better, but soon enough, my anxieties returned.

After a week, I realized I hadn't experienced the miraculous results I hoped for. Frustrated, I nearly abandoned Yoga Nidra. But my curiosity about how others found success motivated me to persevere and reassess my approach.

Reassessing My Practice

Upon reflection, I recognized that my desire for quick results was counterproductive. I had been treating Yoga Nidra as a task rather than a spiritual experience. Shifting my focus to simply being present in the moment helped me deepen my practice.

As the weeks progressed, I found myself becoming more accustomed to Yoga Nidra. Each session brought profound, indescribable experiences that led me to a deeper understanding of myself. I often lost track of time, immersing myself in the calming effects of the practice.

Current Mental Health Status

Now, after nearly 390 days of Yoga Nidra, my mental health has significantly improved. While my mind still generates negative thoughts, I now possess the resilience to confront them. I’ve come to understand Julie’s advice: "It's okay." Meditation and Yoga Nidra do not erase negative thoughts; instead, they empower us to face them, revealing the truth that we are not defined by our thoughts.

Chapter 2: Enhancing Your Nighttime Routine

Discover the ultimate night routine to help you fall asleep quickly and wake up energized.

Learn four easy nighttime habits that can help you feel energized and sleep better.