Lucid dreaming is the experience of being aware that you are dreaming while you are still asleep. It can be a very exciting and fulfilling experience, allowing you to control your dreams and explore your subconscious mind.
Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of having a lucid dream.
Six tips to increase your chances of lucid dreaming
1. Keep a dream journal
Record your dreams in as much detail as possible as soon as you wake up. This will help you become more aware of your dream patterns and increase your chances of recognising when you’re dreaming.
2. Perform reality checks
Throughout the day, perform reality checks such as looking at your hands, counting your fingers, or trying to push your finger through your palm. This will help train your brain to question whether you are in a dream or not.
3. Practice visualisation
Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself becoming aware in a dream and taking control. This can help increase your confidence and preparedness for lucid dreaming.
4. Use a lucid dream induction technique
There are many techniques you can use to induce lucid dreams. These include:
- Wake-Back-to-Bed method (setting an alarm to wake up after several hours of sleep and then going back to sleep with the intention of having a lucid dream); and
- Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) technique, which is repeating a mantra to yourself as you fall asleep to encourage lucidity.
5. Create a dream plan
Before going to sleep, think about what you would like to do in your dream, and visualise it as vividly as possible.
This can help you become more aware when you’re dreaming and increase your chances of controlling the dream.
6. Relax and stay calm
If you become aware that you’re dreaming, try to stay calm and avoid getting too excited, as this can cause you to wake up.
Instead, focus on maintaining your lucidity and exploring your dream world.
Remember, lucid dreaming can take practice and patience. Keep a consistent routine and continue to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Are you good at lucid dreaming? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below!