Yoga Nidra, an ancient technique known as the ‘art of relaxation’ or ‘guided relaxation’, is famous for its stress relieving benefits, improving sleep, relaxing the mind and promoting overall health and well-being. While 200-hour yoga teacher training courses (YTTC) and 300-hour YTTC usually have modules in yoga nidra, many schools offer online yoga nidra teacher training courses (like Sampoorna’s 50-hour yoga nidra course online). There are many advantages of doing a yoga nidra online certification, but first let’s look at the technique itself in more detail.

WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA?

This yogic relaxation technique is practiced lying down in Savasana, the Corpse Pose. It breaches the physical layers on the body to positively impact the subconscious and unconscious mind, making it beneficial for overcoming fears, perceptions and negative or unfavorable behaviors. Yoga nidra involves withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara, the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga), to go inward towards the subconscious and unconscious layers. The steps involved in the technique include setting a resolve or Sankalpa (it could be anything, such as being happy and healthy, overcoming stress, wishing for peace and calmness, etc), body awareness, breath awareness, visualization and once again acknowledgement of the Sankalpa.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING YOGA NIDRA?

Since yoga nidra works on the subconscious mind, it has a profound impact on relieving stress and anxiety. It is beneficial in managing mental disorders and sleep disorders. It effectively improves sleep quality, encouraging a restful night’s sleep. Yoga nidra balances the autonomic nervous system, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest response). This helps you stay more balanced and mindful throughout the day too. Moreover, yoga nidra balances the brain hemispheres, improving cognitive function and the regulation of emotions. With regular practice one will find that they are more in touch with their emotions and thoughts. There is also better awareness of perceptions and reactions to situations.

WHO IS THE YOGA NIDRA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE FOR?

Any 200-hour certified yoga teacher can take up a yoga nidra teacher training course online. All you need is experience of doing the practice yourself, the willingness to embark on a transformative journey and a passion to learn the theory and practical side of yoga nidra.

WHAT DOES AN ONLINE YOGA NIDRA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE INCLUDE?

The best online yoga nidra teacher training courses will cover both theory and practical modules. At Sampoorna Yoga’s online yoga nidra teacher training, you will learn about the origin and history of yoga nidra and yoga nidra in the tantras. There are specific sections on understanding the science behind the practice, such as yoga nidra and the brain, the four brain states, neurological and physical benefits and therapeutic applications. In the practical classes, you will experience how visualization works, how to form a Sankalpa and how to practice and teach. You’ll even discover how impactful yoga nidra is in today’s modern times and its benefits for children too.

HOW LONG IS THE ONLINE YOGA NIDRA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE?

Since the yoga nidra course is an additional certification course, you’ll find the hours varying in different schools. Sampoorna Yoga’s online yoga nidra teacher training course is 50-hours. And the best part is that the course is self-paced with the option to complete the course within a year or at your own pace. What you should consider, however, is whether the course you are signing up for is Yoga Alliance certified. If it is, it will add to your Continuing Education Points (CEP), thus strengthening your profile.

HOW IS THE YOGA NIDRA COURSE TAUGHT ONLINE?

Most online yoga nidra teacher training courses provide you with lifetime access to course material so you can revisit and refer to the material any time you wish to. Recorded material normally consists of theory and practice sessions, previous live recorded discussions and a comprehensive yoga nidra teacher training manual. Self-paced courses give you the flexibility to complete your course module at your own pace and to take the exam (normally a multiple-choice test) once you complete all the modules. Such courses will also have live, interactive sessions with experienced yoga nidra teachers to discuss topics, ask questions and clear doubts.

During the course, modules will cover how to practice and teach yoga nidra. This is important as you need to go through your own experience of practicing yoga nidra as well as have the confidence to teach. Communicating the mental, emotional and physical benefits of yoga nidra is also important as students want to know why the practice is so impactful. Practice as much as you can and pay close attention to this – besides, you’ll only feel more relaxed and stress free yourself!

WHEN AND HOW CAN YOU START TEACHING YOGA NIDRA?

You can start teaching yoga nidra as soon as you complete your exam and receive your teacher training certificate. If you hold a Yoga Alliance certification, you can teach anywhere in the world. You can also choose to first practice with friends to gain confidence. When you are ready to start professional classes, you can either take specific yoga nidra classes for 20-30 minutes, or create a class schedule where you spend some time teaching asanas, pranayama and then take yoga nidra in the last 20-minutes of the session. Of course, take the time to market your classes, reach out to your local community and fitness centers, spread the word via social media, etc. to get more students in.

Initially you might find it a little difficult to remember the words or the flow of the guided practice. Don’t worry, take your time and practice part by part. You’ll gradually remember the entire flow and it will come to you very naturally. By becoming a yoga nidra teacher, you’re not only improving your own mind-body practice, but also playing an integral role in supporting others towards a holistic and significant transformation.