I am a big fan of Dr Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University whose work focuses on neuroplasticity and neural regeneration. He’s not afraid to mix the holistic with the medical, integrating alternative therapies with his work in the lab.

In one of his podcast I came across Yoga Nidra. Since then I do daily sessions of Yoga Nidra to keep myself relaxed , de-stressed and maintain brain plasticity. Research shows that Yoga Nidra improves sleep, alleviates stress and helps pain management. A study in Brazil found that the practice of Yoga Nidra reduced anxiety in college lecturers. It works on the brain by regulating levels of ‘happy hormones’, the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Yoga Nidra is essentially the lying down bit of a yoga practice, where you consciously relax your mind. It uses guided visualisation, allowing the body to slumber whilst the mind stays awake. It’s the most relaxing thing I’ve ever done! The practice engages the left and right side of the brain which aids creativity, reduces stress and builds neuroplasticity. A 35-minute session has the same impact on the brain as two hours of deep sleep.

Here’s the Yoga Nidra I do.

It’s honestly the most relaxing thing I have done this year. And no need to wear yoga pants or roll out a mat. You just need to be warm and comfortable and have space to lie down. It will do amazing things for your stress levels and neuroplasticity. Try it out.