Start a dream journal
First thing in the morning, grab a notebook and a pen and scribble down any memories of dreams you had the night before. Writing about your dreams will allow you to navigate them in a conscious state, hopefully giving you more control when you enter the dream world. The earlier you do it, the more you’ll remember.
Practice meditation
Frequently practicing meditation can significantly increase your chances of lucid dreaming. In a meditative state, allow thoughts to drift in and out of your mind, without attaching any judgment to it’s chattering. Focus on your own pure consciousness and awareness, allowing your true self to shine through. Do this a few times a day, and watch as your dreams transform.
Listen to binaural beats
Binaural beats are heralded by many as a prime tool to allow you to lucid dream. Experts claim that these beats can allow your brain to tap into theta and delta brainwave frequencies – essentially toeing the line between being awake and falling asleep, blurring reality and fiction.
Do plenty of reality checks throughout the day
Completing reality checks throughout the day is perhaps the best tool to allow you to lucid dream at night. Pick one reality check – be it attempting to push your hand through your other palm, closely inspecting your eye in a mirror, or pinching your nose. Your subconscious mind will attempt to repeat the task in your dream, alerting you to be at one with your dream state.
Take frequent naps
Napping throughout the day increases your chance of having a lucid dream as it breaks up your sleep cycle. Napping increases REM (rapid eye movement) sleep patterns. This can enhance creative thinking and boost sensory processing methods. A 45-minute nap can immerse you in a REM pattern almost immediately, significantly boosting your chances of delving into a lucid dream.
Analyze your own dreams
Dreams are a fantastic way of learning about yourself. Research what the imagery in your dreams means to you and why your mind is choosing to show you these particular things after dark. Understanding your dreams will naturally bring more awareness to them, granting you a deeper understanding of the process.
Repeat an affirmation as you fall asleep
As you’re laying in bed, awaiting sleep’s dreamy embrace, internally repeat to yourself: “I know that I am in a dream.” It may sound silly, but your subconscious mind is smarter than you think. With a bit of practice, your mind will pay attention to your repeated affirmation and allow you to be awake within your own personal dream world.
Visualize what you want to dream about
A fast-track way to lucid dream is to saturate your mind. You want to dream about flying? Visualize it as often as you can throughout the day, feeling the wind whip against your skin and your stomach plunge as you descend from great heights. Repeatedly impressing your mind’s eye with the same image increases the chances of it appearing in your dreams.
Wake yourself up during the night
If you’re really dedicated to lucid dreaming, you may want to set alarms throughout the night to wake yourself up. Bring yourself to full consciousness for a few minutes, before drifting back off to sleep. Doing so will allow your mind to enter deeper sleep in shorter bursts, raising your chances of controlling your dreams.
Imagine yourself in a previous dream
Before you hit the hay, take a few moments to imagine a prior dream. Notice anything that seems odd, giving a clear sign that the world around you isn’t real. Tell yourself that you’re dreaming, and control the daydream in whatever way you see fit. Continue this practice as you drift off. Hopefully, some of that control will seep into your mind as you sleep.