Parenthood is a balancing act, often pulling you in multiple directions—whether it’s juggling work commitments, looking after your little one’s wellbeing, or simply finding a moment to catch your breath. If you’re pregnant or navigating life with a baby or young child, the stress of keeping everything in check can feel overwhelming. That’s where Yoga Nidra comes in, offering a deeply restorative practice that’s particularly beneficial for parents.
Yoga Nidra, sometimes called "yogic sleep," is a guided meditation that helps you enter a state of deep relaxation while remaining fully conscious. And before you think it’s just another wellness buzzword, the science behind it speaks volumes. For parents—especially those balancing work, family, and the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with it—Yoga Nidra offers more than just a break. It’s a way to actively restore your nervous system, reduce stress, and create mental space for the challenges of daily life.
A Powerful Tool for Stress Relief
Let’s be honest, the stress of modern parenting is real. Whether you’re managing pregnancy anxieties or feeling the daily tug of work and family life, finding ways to properly unwind is crucial. Yoga Nidra can help you switch off, but in a way that’s restorative rather than just zoning out in front of a screen. Studies show that Yoga Nidra helps to calm the nervous system, which can reduce levels of cortisol—the stress hormone most of us are too familiar with.
In just 20 minutes of Yoga Nidra, you can tap into the body’s natural relaxation response. This practice helps you shift from the “fight or flight” mode many parents are stuck in, into a “rest and digest” state. This not only supports your mental health but also your physical wellbeing, which, as any parent knows, can take a bit of a hit when life gets busy.
Regulate Your Nervous System for You and Your Baby
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and let's face it, we ALL feel like that sometimes as we move through pregnancy and life with young children. this deep relaxation practice might be exactly what you need.
Babies and young children are naturally attuned to their environment, so your energy plays a role in creating a sense of calm around them. Yoga Nidra can be a wonderful way to help both you and your child find balance. Whether you're pregnant and hoping to nurture a peaceful space for your unborn baby, or managing the ups and downs with a toddler, this practice offers a gentle opportunity to reconnect with yourself and restore a sense of calm—benefiting both you and your little one in a supportive, stress-free way.
Creating Space for Balance
The demands of work, family, and personal time are relentless, and sometimes it feels impossible to carve out space for yourself. What makes Yoga Nidra special is that it’s efficient. You can gain the benefits of deep relaxation in a relatively short amount of time, meaning it’s easy to fit into your already packed schedule. Even a quick session in the evening can help you feel more present for your children and your work the next day.
Healing from Exhaustion and Overwhelm
For many parents, particularly mums, there’s a pervasive feeling of needing to “do it all.” This often leads to burnout. Yoga Nidra gives you a structured way to replenish your energy reserves, helping you to avoid that dreaded parental exhaustion. It's a time where you can completely let go—no expectations, no pressure—just space to rest and heal. It’s a simple, yet powerful tool for reclaiming your wellbeing while navigating the complexities of parenthood.
Incorporating Yoga Nidra into your routine, whether during pregnancy or in the early years of parenting, can offer profound benefits. It’s not just about finding time to relax—it's about creating the inner resources to manage the emotional and physical demands of being a parent in today’s fast-paced world. So, next time you're feeling stretched thin, give Yoga Nidra a try. It might just be the reset you need to keep going.
My Pregnancy Yoga Classes include a Yoga Nidra Practice every 6 weeks or so. I also teach online Yoga Nidra Sessions once a month for parents or parents to-be to join in from anywhere in the world. Sign in by yourself after the kids are in bed, or snuggle up with your little ones to listen together.
These are free for paid Subscribers of The Baby Village or The Growing Together Village. They are bookable for £12 for non subscribers HERE
When I’ve tried meditations apps, so many of the voices sound really contrived to me when they’re guiding the meditation. They pause in all the wrong places and sound really unnatural. Whereas you seem to have mastered the art of making your guiding voice sound natural, credible, nurturing, soothing and relaxing, all at once, with not a whiff of intrusive artifice or contrivance . Thank you! 🙏😍
Thanks Bryony, that was lovely. I can’t remember the last time I took a bit of time out like that for myself. Just what I needed xx
I had no idea what to expect from Yoga Nidra. Once a month I now get to feel connected to other community members in their home and attune to every part of my body. The practice is calm and mindful and a reminder that we are not alone and that we can slow down. Afterwards my baby and I go to a long and deep sleep.
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