Episode 23: You’re Tired, But Are You Actually Resting? Yoga Nidra & Radical Rest with Ali Schmidt

Written By Katharine Seim

Most of us know we’re tired (…that’s not exactly breaking news). What we don’t always realize is that the kind of rest we’re getting might not actually reach the parts of us that need it most.

In this episode, Dr. Alex and Dr. Rebecca sit down with Ali Schmidt, social worker, therapist, yoga teacher, and certified Daring to Rest coach, to talk about yoga nidra: what it is, how it differs from meditation, and why committing to it for 40 days changed the way Ali shows up in her life. Ali also shares how radical rest helped her reconnect with the inner voice she didn't realize she'd lost after becoming a mother.

Ali’s teachings have had a profound impact on so many women already (including Dr. Alex!), and we think you’ll understand why after listening to this conversation. 

What you’ll learn:

  • What yoga nidra is and how to start, including a free 5-minute practice Ali recommends for beginners

  • How taking time to rest can give you more time and capacity

  • What it really means to simplify, not as a pretty aesthetic, but as a life-changing practice. 

  • How Ali and a group of fellow concerned parents helped save her school's kindergarten ESPs (and what rest had to do with it)

Tune in if you’ve ever thought:

  • "I've tried meditation before, but my brain just won't stop. I don't think it works for me.”

  • “I would love a simpler life, but I don't know where to start, and the idea of decluttering makes me want to cry.”

  • “I don't want to just cope better in the moment…I want to not get so dysregulated in the first place."

Helpful resources:

If this conversation meant something to you, we'd be so grateful if you took a moment to leave a rating, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and follow us for future episodes. It's the best way to make sure we reach more people who could benefit from conversations like this one.

Connect with us:

Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy

Website: rebeccaeudy.com

Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy

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Dr. Alexandra DiGrado

Website: bostonpelvicpt.com

Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt

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Under the Hood Podcast

Instagram: @underthehooddocs

Website: underthehoodpod.com

Katharine Seim
Next

Episode 22: “It’s Not Just a Bad Period” — A PT’s Personal Endometriosis Journey (with special guest Dr. Alyssa Demeule)