How to Lucid Dream: The Fascinating World of Lucid Dreaming
Have you ever wanted to control your dreams? Imagine being able to fly or live out your wildest fantasy whenever your sleeping mind wants to! How cool would that be?
Well, it is possible, and it's called lucid dreaming! A 2016 study found that about 55% of people experience at least one lucid dream in their lifetime. But what if you don't know how to lucid dream?
Don't stress – it's not as hard as you might think. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to start lucid dreaming tonight!
What Exactly Is Lucid Dreaming?
The word “lucid” means the ability to think consciously. So, lucid dreaming refers to a state of consciousness during a dream.
Some people make the mistake of associating lucid dreaming with psychedelic drugs. But, this isn't true because anyone can achieve it without intoxication!
Lucid dreams feel realistic like normal ones often do. The difference is that you are aware that you are dreaming. Sometimes, you can even control your actions.
While it's unclear why lucid dreams occur, neuroscientists have different ideas. A popular theory is that a larger-than-average prefrontal cortex plays a role. Another one presents the possibility of lucid dreaming being a state where you're both half-awake and half-asleep.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreams
If you thought the idea of controlling your dreams was cool, then wait – it gets better. Some benefits come along with lucid dreaming too!
The ability to control your dreams is empowering, so you might find yourself feeling more confident. If you deal with sleep anxiety due to nightmares, lucid dreaming can help with overcoming it. It also has the potential to help those facing PTSD.
Do you want to get your creative juices flowing? Lucid dreams may bring out your creativity. You may have new ideas or new perspectives of thinking.
How to Lucid Dream With Ease
You're probably wondering how to lucid dream after reading how beneficial it might be. There are many methods to try, but here are two of the most popular.
Combine these methods together or with some meditation for the best results:
Test Your Reality
A popular method to train your brain for lucid dreaming is reality testing. Regularly ask yourself whether you're dreaming. Look for conscious or dreamlike signs that will confirm your state of mind.
As you continue testing reality, you'll get in the habit of doing it often. This habit should carry over into your sleep, helping you initiate lucid dreaming.
Wake Back to Bed
This method involves interrupting your sleep. Set your alarm to go off about five hours after you fall asleep at night. Stay up for about half an hour after it wakes you, then go back to sleep.
As you drift off, you'll be more likely to lucid dream.
Control Your Dreams Every Night
Now that you know how to lucid dream, you can start controlling your dreams! Even if you're not successful on your first try, practice always makes perfect. Keep trying, and soon you'll experience dreams in a whole new way.
To improve your mind and soul, even more, check out our blog. You'll find everything you need to better yourself and your lifestyle.
