3 Tips to Start Lucid Dreaming 

Lucid dreaming is the ability to become aware that you're dreaming and control your dreams. It's a handy skill that help with anxiety/nightmare resolution, emotional healing, and a more creative waking life.

If you’re new to lucid dreaming, here are three tips to help you get started:

Keep a Dream Journal

The first step to lucid dreaming is improving your dream recall. Keep a notebook by your bed and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up—even if they seem fragmented. This strengthens your connection to the dream world and helps you recognize patterns that will later trigger lucidity.

Tip: Look for recurring themes, symbols, or emotions. If you often dream about flying, for example, you can train yourself to recognize that as a dream sign.

Perform Reality Checks

A reality check is a simple habit that trains your brain to question whether you’re awake or dreaming. Throughout the day, try these:

• Pinch your nose and try to breathe through it—if you can, you know you're dreaming.

• Check a clock or text, look away, then check again—if it changes erratically, you're in a dream.

• Push your finger through your palm—in a dream, it might go through.

By doing this during the day, it will carry over into your dreams, helping you realize when you’re dreaming.

Set an Intention Before Sleep

Right before bed, repeat an affirmation like, “I will realize I’m dreaming tonight.” This technique is called Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dreaming (MILD), and it primes your subconscious to recognize when you’re in a dream state.

Tip: If you naturally wake up in the middle of the night, use the Wake-Back-to-Bed (WBTB) method—wake up, stay alert for 10-15 minutes, and then go back to sleep while focusing on your intention to lucid dream.

When I wake up in the middle of the night I put notes on my phone (mainly keywords) to help me remember them for journaling in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Lucid dreaming takes practice and could be challenging for some people, but consistency in your practice will increase your ability to “wake up” in your dreams. 

Note: This may not be a good idea if you experience sleep paralysis or wake up feeling emotionally drained.

Have you ever had a lucid dream? Try these techniques and share your experiences!