What is yoga nidra and how is it different from meditation?

Yoga nidra means ‘yogic sleep.’ You lie down, require no effort, and are guided through systematic relaxation stages — body rotation, breath awareness, visualization. Traditional meditation typically involves seated attention training where you actively focus on something (breath, mantra, sensations). Yoga nidra works precisely because you’re not trying. There’s no focus to maintain, no wandering mind to correct. You follow simple guidance and let your nervous system do the rest.