In a world where fast-paced work life has become the norm, rest or relaxation almost seems like a luxury to many. In order to achieve success and productivity, we often forget that true productivity doesn’t lie in labouring tirelessly but in working strategically. After long hours of hard work, our body needs time and rest to regain the stamina to continue to function properly. The balance between work and rest is just as important as meeting deadlines, if not more. To achieve peak productivity, the approach of “Non-sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)” is the best option to opt for.
Let us learn more about NSDR and how to incorporate it into our everyday lifestyle to get the best possible result of our hard work every time.
WHAT IS “NSDR”
Non-Sleep Deep Rest, or NSDR, is a technique for relaxation of both body and mind without going into the state of sleep, rather than remaining conscious yet relaxed through guided meditation or other practices. Introduced by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman in 2022, NSDR is a very new concept of practice but has been proven effective by many. Though the theory was based on the techniques of yoga nidra and guided hypnosis, NSDR has a much wider range of benefits. It is the best way to rejuvenate the mind in the midst of tightly packed schedules.
HOW IT WORKS
Non-Sleep Deep Rest has been proven to be effective for our whole body. Test results have proven that the method of NSDR allows the body to relax by lowering heart rate and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in normalised blood pressure and muscle relaxation. Research also shows that it is an excellent method to enhance neuroplasticity and create new neural connections.
All these physical improvements directly impact our emotional and mental health. It has the ability to decrease stress and anxiety by lowering the cortisol level, which is the stress inducer, and increasing the dopamine level for more stamina.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
The concept of Non-Sleep Deep Rest was presented very recently but the practice is nothing new. It falls under the same category as yoga nidra and has been practised unconsciously by people for many years. The sole purpose of NSDR is to bring complete relaxation to the body for a profound mind. It is highly recommended to get rid of anxiety in our personal and professional life and elevate productivity. With our lives being completely confined within the walls of stress and exhaustion, NSDR works as an open window to bring in peace and harmony between the body and mind. It improves psychological and physiological health to a great extent.
METHODS FOR NSDR
The practice of Non-Sleep Deep Rest is actually quite simple without the hassle of using heavy equipment or anything uncomfortable. In order to practise NSDR some simple steps are just enough, like-
-Prepare a quiet and comfortable environment, away from any distraction and inconvenience. It is very important not to get distracted during the process
-The goal is to relax the entire body without falling asleep. So instead of going for a nap, remain conscious about the surroundings
-Take a comfortable posture to bring maximum comfort
-Allow the body and mind to forget the stress of the day and take your mind to the realm of peace
-Consistency is a must, only regular practice will bring the best possible results
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF NSDR
NSDR provides a great help to relieve stress. With decreased stress and anxiety comes precise brain function, better mood and an improvement in cognitive health. Proper rest helps the brain to function coherently and conduct daily activities with much perfection.
It has been proven that NSDR helps to improve sleep quality as well. Too much stress and anxiety hinders the sleep quality which ultimately results in reduced productivity. But research has shown that NSDR helps with better sleep patterns and sleep quality.
The physiological benefits of NSDR might not be as quick or evident but rather helps in the long run. As the muscles of our body get the chance to revitalise in the process, it is crucial to be consistent. Regular observation of NSDR can improve the function of heart and brain as well as decrease the chances of chronic diseases like- blood pressure, diabetes, stroke etc. It is undoubtedly beneficial for the immune system as well.
NSDR AND PRODUCTIVITY
In our busy and modern life, we assess success on the basis of productivity. But we often forget that being productive is not just about working long hours without break, it is about bringing overall satisfaction in all aspects of life which includes not only in profession but also in our body and mind. The state of complete relaxation during NSDR is essential to improve concentration, mood and overall physiological status. The stamina required to conduct necessary actions can always be revived through NSDR. In fact, the objective of it is to bring positive changes in our body which eventually leads to better productivity.
In conclusion we can say, Non-Sleep Deep Rest is an outstanding tool for promoting complete relaxation, enhancing cognitive function and supporting overall wellbeing. By allowing the body to rest deeply without sleeping, NSDR offers a comfortable and easy way to manage anxiety, stress and concentration. As more people are seeking ways to cope with everyday functionality, NSDR works as a bridge between restorative benefits of relaxation and a healthy life.
Author- Jarin Subah Turaba
