As caregiver of three decades I know firsthand the toll stress can play in a caregiver’s life. Along our journey my child endured 15 surgeries over a five year period and exemplified enormous courage. As his caregiver, I have had to learn strategies for stress release and coping. I was burnt out, not sleeping well, my nervous system was extremely stressed and I was barely coping, yet I powered on as a caregiver I realized if I did not stop to take care of myself then I would not be able to continue to care for my son. I had to suffer and learn the “Hard Way”. I don’t want you to have to endure as I did but rather learn how to nourish yourself and even flourish as a caregiver.
During my journey as caregiver I became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, and Positive Psychology coach. In my search for the perfect stress release and relaxation tool, I discovered Meditation and Yoga Nidra Guided Visualization, (a deep form of complete body relaxation while the mind is calm and aware). The best part is my clients get to lie down comfortably and allow my pleasant Australian voice to guide them into an incredibly deep, rejuvenating Yoga Nidra guided visualization relaxation session.
Deep Relaxation
Guided Visualization allows the body and mind to release and relax. I have been leading Guided visualizations for over 30 years and my client’s often comment that they could listen to me all day and that I have the most beautiful relaxing Australian voice that simply melts all their stress.
Yoga Nidra is a very powerful guided visualization relaxation technique that is now being used by the U.S government to help returning Veterans cope with Post traumatic stress syndrome. The stress of being a caregiver can become a huge issue if not addressed. A 45 minute Yoga Nidra guided relaxation session has been found to be the equivalent of 3 hours deep sleep.
During a private one-on-one ( in person or via skype), group session or audio file I will skillfully guide you through a session to encourage deep relaxation for your entire body, while your mind is awake and aware. During the session there is an opportunity to create the best possible self while allowing your body to restore and rejuvenate.
Not until my implementation of yoga nidra did I begin to flourish rather than survive. Simply put, yoga nidra worked so well for me that I became a certified Yoga Nidra instructor with a sole mission of bringing its rewards to the caregiving community.
Anyone Can Do Yoga Nidra
Intense vinyasa flows and long asana holds are not for everyone. Yoga nidra, however, is a practice that everyone, from children to seniors, can do. It’s easy to follow at any age. All that your body needs to do is lie down on comfortable mats on the floor. And even if you can’t lie down on the floor, you can still do this practice seated.
You Cannot Practice Yoga Nidra Incorrectly
As you lie down, all you will do is follow the voice that is guiding you. It’s likely that you will remember certain parts of the meditation and not others. Every time you come to the practice you encounter a new experience—none of which is wrong. Falling asleep is okay too, as you will still receive benefits while the unconscious mind is absorbing the practice.
It’s a Simple Way to Reduce Stress
Yoga nidra promotes deep rest and relaxation that isn’t found in your average meditation practice. The stages of body scan and breath awareness alone can be practiced, calming the nervous system, leading to less stress and better health. Quite simply I have found this to be the most powerful tool for healing and support in the caregivers healing toolbox. Not until my implementation of yoga nidra did I begin to flourish rather than survive. One 45-minute session has been calculated as the equivalent of 4 hours sleep.
For Purchase: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Stress Release: Guided by Dr. Suzann Osborne, $9.99
