NSDR
OK to fall asleep

Yoga Nidra — Basic

nsdr
Guided · 15 min
14:35

remaining

0:0014:35

An accessible first taste of Yoga Nidra: a single, unhurried sweep of awareness through the body, a gentle wave of heaviness, and a short pool of rest. A calm place to begin.

Type

nsdr

Best Time

Afternoon, or any time you need to slow down

Duration

15 min

Mode

Guided

Phases

1Welcome & settling1m19s
2Softening the breath55s
3A gentle intention48s
4Head & face56s
5Neck, shoulders & arms1m3s
6Chest & back1m
7Belly & hips1m
8Legs & feet1m8s
9Whole body, heavy1m35s
10Letting go1m46s
11Deep rest2m18s
12Returning47s
13Gentle close26s

Benefits

A gentle way into deep relaxationSoftens tension held in the bodyA quiet pause for the mindAn easy first Yoga Nidra

NSDR puts your brain into a state similar to sleep while remaining conscious. It is perfectly okay to fall asleep. Your body will get what it needs.

About This Practice

An accessible first taste of Yoga Nidra: a single, unhurried sweep of awareness through the body, a gentle wave of heaviness, and a short pool of rest. A calm place to begin.

Benefits

A gentle way into deep relaxation
Softens tension held in the body
A quiet pause for the mind
An easy first Yoga Nidra

When to Practice

Afternoon, or any time you need to slow down

How to Practice

Find a warm, quiet place to lie down on your back. A blanket over you and a small cushion under your knees can help you settle. Let your arms rest a little away from your body, palms up. There is nothing to achieve here. Your only task is to listen, and to let the voice guide your attention gently from one place to the next. If your mind wanders, that is completely natural — simply return to the sound of the words. The real rest lives in the silences between the guidance. Let yourself sink into them. It is perfectly fine to drift, and even to doze.

Science & Research

Yoga Nidra is a guided rest practice that has been shared for generations. Many people find that lying still and following a simple body-based focus helps them feel calmer and more settled.

Tips

Keep warm — the body cools as it relaxes, so a blanket helps.
A cushion under the knees may ease the lower back.
If you fall asleep, that's okay. Simply rejoin whenever you notice the voice again.
Use headphones and a low volume to let the silences feel spacious.

Precautions

Practise lying down somewhere safe and warm; never while driving or operating anything.