Yoga Nidra - June 2024

This 30-minute guided session is done while lying down, with support and blankets to allow the body to fully relax. Yoga Nidra contains breathing cues and a systematic sequence of body awareness that can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and increase the amount of alpha-waves in the brain. Give yourself permission to relax and rest, while setting intentions for personal growth and exploring the deeper self.
Be prepared:
You can be seated in a comfy chair, or you can recline on a bed, couch, or the floor. Please have all the supports you need to feel as comfortable as possible. (A pillow under the head, pillows under the knees if you're reclining.)
Research: A randomized study of 500+ participants published in Current Psychology in 2020 found that Yoga Nidra decreased stress levels, improved sleep quality, elevated well-being, and increased the mindfulness of the control group, who practiced a short Yoga Nidra over the course of 30 days. All effects remained stable at a follow-up six weeks later. Overall, a large, heterogeneous sample showed that a very short dose of meditation can positively influence stress, sleep, and well-being.
Instructor:
Ann MacMullan is a certified yoga instructor and yoga therapist (E-RYT 500, C-IAYT) and the IWMF Wellness Program Coordinator. She enjoys uplifting the WM community through breath-connected movement, mindfulness, sound healing, and by creating a supportive group environment on Zoom. Her father was diagnosed with WM in 2019. She has completed Level 1 Atma Buti® Sound Healing Method and integrates sound healing techniques into her practice when appropriate.
Ann can be reached directly at [e-mail]
Research cited: Effectiveness of a short Yoga Nidra meditation on stress, sleep, and well-being in a large and diverse sample; published in September 2022 in Current Psychology: rdcu.be/dN0FR