NSDR, Meditation and Breathwork

Non-sleep deep rest, or NSDR, is an umbrella term for a variety of practices that guide your brain and body into a state of deep relaxation without falling asleep completely. Yoga nidra (also called yogic sleep) is a more specific practice, typically involving a body scan or guided meditation while lying down.

Meditation is a practice that can foster an emotionally calm and clear state. Focused meditations involve specific attention on your breath, body, or a mental visualization, in contrast to open monitoring (or “mindfulness”) meditation, where the aim is to allow thoughts to come and go without attachment.

Hypnosis is more similar to meditation than what’s portrayed in movies — hypnosis has shown to be an effective way to self-direct the mind to relaxed and self-aware states. Breathwork is a compelling illustration of the mind-body connection, where conscious control of the breath (e.g., through physiological sighs) can influence your mental state, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

These practices are zero-cost, accessible to beginners, and don’t require a lot of time — even a morning meditation or yoga nidra practice as short as 10 minutes can have positive effects on energy levels and cognitive performance. Embracing these practices can lead to improved sleep, improved cognition and mental health, and overall well-being.