As fall gets underway and winter approaches, stress can increase. Between shorter days and darker weather, new school schedules, end-of-year deadlines, or holiday commitments, perceived pressures can mount, so be sure and make time for yourself.

I designed this evidence-based LifeForce Yoga Nidra especially to elevate mood. Move through the traditional body sensing and breath awareness, to an exploration of the opposites of sensation and emotion. Then dive into a sustained period of ananda, which in Sanskrit means bliss.

Enjoy this elevating nidra any time you’d like a boost in your mood, or when lethargy or depression is visiting. It’s about 32 minutes long, and won’t overstimulate you but leave you feeling a calm sense of peace and contentment.