Boosting Neuroplasticity with Yoga Nidra and Hypnotherapy
As of today, January 8, 2025, I am embarking on a new journey: doing things that scare me and stepping out of my comfort zone. No, I am not paragliding but that does scare me, so , maybe one day? It’s so easy to fall into complacency—doing the same routines, thinking the same thoughts, driving the same route to work. You know what I’m talking about. When we operate this way, our subconscious mind takes over. The subconscious governs routine and automatic habits, giving us a sense of safety and control. Yet, deep down, most of us know that control is an illusion, even as we cling to it.
Shaking things up is a great way to snap out of this unconscious way of living. Many people, myself included, start to feel discontented when life begins to feel like it’s passing us by. Day after day, the same grind can leave us feeling stuck and uninspired. While vacations or weekend getaways can provide temporary relief, we often slip right back into the same routine upon returning.
Routine isn’t inherently bad. But when life starts to feel like a grind, it’s a sign to reassess and make changes. The key is to ask yourself: What can I do today to do things differently? It doesn’t have to be monumental. Try driving a new route to work, exploring a new walking trail, shopping at a different grocery store, or experimenting with a new recipe. These small actions disrupt neural groove patterns in your brain and stimulate growth.
When we repeatedly engage in the same activities, our neural pathways form deep grooves, making it harder to try new things or change bad habits. However, introducing novelty into your life creates new neural pathways and gives old ones a well-deserved rest. This process is a cornerstone of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and rewire itself.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change by forming new neural connections. This adaptability allows us to recover from injuries, learn new skills, and break free from entrenched habits. Research shows that enhancing neuroplasticity can:
Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
Delay cognitive decline
Improve cognitive abilities
Increase brain matter density
Enhance motor function
Activities that promote neuroplasticity include exercise, cognitive training, mindfulness practices, social interaction, a balanced diet, quality sleep, and embracing novelty—like trying something new.
Yoga Nidra and Neuroplasticity
Yoga Nidra is a deeply relaxing practice that also enhances neuroplasticity. Here’s how:
Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra induces profound relaxation while maintaining awareness. This state helps the brain adapt and evolve, benefiting mental health.
Brain Wave Activity: The practice guides you through various brain wave states, from beta to theta waves, which support neuroplasticity.
Improved Learning and Retention: Practicing Yoga Nidra after learning new information can enhance retention by up to 50%.
Other benefits of Yoga Nidra include:
Stress reduction
Improved memory
Enhanced cognitive flexibility
Greater resilience to stress
Recovery from neurological injuries
Combating cognitive decline associated with aging
Hypnotherapy and Neuroplasticity
Hypnotherapy also promotes neuroplasticity by:
Creating New Neural Connections: During hypnosis, the brain is highly receptive to suggestions, fostering new neural pathways that reinforce positive behaviors and thought patterns.
Reshaping Responses: Hypnotherapy can help reshape responses to triggers, such as overcoming phobias or negative habits.
Altering Brain Activity: Functional MRI studies show that hypnosis affects specific brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Accelerating Changes: Because the conscious mind is subdued during hypnosis, desired changes can happen more quickly.
Embrace Change and Novelty
If you’re ready to mix things up this year, consider trying something new or even a little scary. Embrace opportunities that challenge you and promote neuroplasticity. To help you on this journey, I invite you to join my Yoga Nidra Zoom class on Wednesday evenings or schedule a private hypnotherapy session.
Yoga Nidra Zoom Class: Relax, rejuvenate, and create new neural pathways from the comfort of your home. Wednesdays at 7 PM.
Private Hypnotherapy Sessions: Empower yourself to break bad habits, form healthier ones, or retrain your brain to think differently.
Be brave. Try something new. Step into the unknown. I dare you!
Upcoming events:
Weekly Zoom Yoga Nidra: Wednesdays, 7–8 PM MST
Hypnosis Workshop - "Opening the Heart": February 16, 12–2 PM at the Local Co-op
Discounted Private Sessions available for January and February
Special discount on hypnotherapy packages of 3, 5, and 10
