What is yoga nidra, and how can it help me?
Neural pathways are your brain’s superhighways, dealing with stress, emotions and thinking skills. Just like physical infrastructure, those superhighways need maintenance from time to time. Shawnigan counsellor Jennifer Tully explains here how yoga nidra is one way to give your brain a break and give yourself a boost.
Imagine yoga nidra as a superhero for your brain. It doesn't just kick back and relax; it dives deep into the neural pathways that deal with stress, emotions, and thinking skills. So, what does this mean for you? It's like giving your brain a spa day – stress regulation, emotional strength, and cognitive performance all get a boost.
The practice seamlessly weaves in mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Think of it as a power combo that not only makes you feel good but might even contribute to making your brain more flexible (they call it neuroplasticity).
Let's embark on this chill journey together!
So, you're thinking, "Sounds awesome, but how do I get in on this chill action?" At Shawnigan, students are invited to swing by weekly sessions and dive into the wonder of yoga nidra. Picture yourself on the mat, discovering relaxation, boosting self-awareness, and soaking up the good vibes.
Yoga nidra (non-sleep deep rest) can significantly impact academic success:
• Enhanced focus and attention: Deep rest techniques improve concentration, allowing students to focus better during studying and exams.
• Improved memory retention: Regular deep rest aids in consolidating information, enhancing memory recall during exams and coursework.
• Stress reduction: Managing stress through deep rest techniques can alleviate anxiety related to academic pressures, promoting better performance.
• Increased learning efficiency: By enhancing cognitive function, deep rest helps students grasp complex concepts more effectively.
• Better time management: Taking breaks for deep rest can optimize study sessions, preventing burnout and improving overall time-management skills.
• Improved problem-solving skills: Deep rest can enhance creativity and critical thinking, leading to better problem-solving abilities when facing academic challenges.
Yoga nidra can boost overall well-being. Better sleep quality and reduced stress levels contribute to a student's overall health, positively impacting academic performance.
• Improved relationships: Practicing deep rest techniques can enhance social connections and empathy by fostering a more relaxed and empathetic mindset.
• Better emotional regulation: Deep rest helps regulate emotions by calming the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre.
• Stress reduction: Deep rest techniques like meditation activate the body's relaxation response, reducing stress hormone levels.
• Improved sleep quality: Non-sleep deep rest can facilitate better sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing sleep-disrupting stress.
Please click here for more information about Health and Wellness at Shawnigan
Jennifer Tully has been a counsellor at Shawnigan Lake School since 2021. She has an extensive background working with children, youth and families. She is passionate about mindfulness, social emotional learning and inspiring young people to find new and helpful ways to make positive changes in their well-being.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
