Why Yoga Nidra is the Ultimate Stress Relief Tool (That Actually Works)

You know that feeling when your brain just won’t shut up? When stress is buzzing through your body like a dodgy caffeine overdose and your to-do list has its own postcode? That’s where Yoga Nidra for stress relief comes in, and trust me, it’s not your typical meditation.

Yoga Nidra is often called “yogic sleep,” but you’re not actually sleeping. You’re lying down (yep, finally a practice that rewards you for resting), while your mind drifts between wakefulness and sleep, that sweet spot where your body deeply relaxes, your nervous system resets, and your brain quietly goes, “Oh, this is what peace feels like.”

So, what makes Yoga Nidra for stress relief different?

Here’s the thing: when you’re stressed, your body is in fight or flight mode, your heart races, your muscles tense, and cortisol is pumping like you’re running from a tiger. Yoga Nidra works by flipping that internal switch from fight or flight to rest and digest.

Scientifically, this happens because Yoga Nidra slows your brainwaves into alpha and theta states, the same states you drift through right before falling asleep (you know when your foot does that jolty thing). These states tell your nervous system, “Hey, it’s safe now,” lowering stress hormones and creating a deep sense of calm that lingers long after you get up off the mat.

How to practice (and actually stick with it)

Start simple: Find a quiet space, lie down somewhere comfy, grab a blanket, and press play on a guided session. (If you want one to start with, try my free guided Yoga Nidra practice on YouTube )

There’s no right time of day, but I love to practice either first thing in the morning, winding down before bed or mid afternoon when your brain starts to crash. Even ten minutes can make a difference. And honestly, it’s one of the only “wellness” things that doesn’t ask you to do anything, no poses, no effort, just awareness.

Common mistakes (and how not to make them)

• Thinking you have to “clear your mind.” Nope, just listen and let go of any expectations.

• Falling asleep. It's not the aim, but if it happens, it happens. (If you’re exhausted, your body needed the rest.)

• Expecting instant magic. Like any good habit, the magic compounds.

Keep showing up. Each session teaches your nervous system how to come home to calm a little faster.

Here’s what I know for sure: stress isn’t going anywhere. But how you meet it can change everything. Yoga Nidra for stress relief isn’t about escaping your life, it’s about meeting it from a calmer, more grounded place.

So next time your mind’s running a million miles an hour, try lying down and doing… absolutely nothing. Your body (and your nervous system) will thank you for it.