In Ayurveda, the perfect balance of mind, body and soul is considered as complete health. Ayurveda is a science of life having the concept of happy and long life. It involves physical, mental and spiritual health of the human being.

Lifestyle changes to improve your mood and mental health

The definition of health given by Master Sushruta is as follows:

“Prassana Atma, Indriya and Mana besides the equilibrium of doshas, dhatu and mala as Swastha” It fulfils every aspect of healthy being which clearly establishes the importance of mental health.

Today’s fast and unstable lifestyle has given money and fame to human beings but has taken a toll on physical and mental health. 

Lifestyle changes to improve your mood and mental health are:

  1. Yoga: Yoga has positive effect on the body as well as mind. When it is performed correctly, it relaxes the mind and tones up the nervous system.
    • When yoga especially shavasana is done, it allows the parasympathetic nervous system to operate and keeps the body and mind in balanced state.
    • The deep relaxation during shavasana induces sound sleep as well. 
    • Regular practice of shavasana provides relief from any kind of stress, strain and anxiety and creates a regenerative effect on mind and body. 
  2. Pranayam: Pranayam especially Bhramari Pranayama produces a particular range of vibration which influences the vibrations of the body in such a way that it can integrate both mind and body.
    • Regular practice of bhramari pranayama causes the whole brain to vibrate. The vibrations of the cerebral cortex send impulses to the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus has the capacity of controlling pituitary gland. Hypothalamus also sends signals to sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
    • Moreover, pressing of eyeballs in bhramari pranayama leads to the stimulation of vagus nerve which leads to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
    • The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is associated with a relaxed and calm state of mind.
    • As whole- body viscera are controlled by autonomic nervous system, regular yoga and pranayama result in calm and relaxed state of mind. 
  3. Diet: According to Master Charak, wholesome and unwholesome food is responsible for the happiness and misery in one’s life. Acharaya Charak quoted: “Bhojnam Vidhanna Cha Yatha Swyam Yuktya”. 
    • Wholesome diet increases enthusiasm, memory, agni, life span, ojas etc.
    • Taking sattvic and healthy diet influence the mind as well.
    • Eating healthy diet makes the person feel better and gives him more energy.
    • Foods rich in folic acid, Vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids have therapeutic benefits for mental health. 
    • Reducing the consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking also play a key role in improving mental health. 
  4. Physical Exercise: Lack of physical exercise is a vital causative factor in the pathogenesis of depression.
    • Now a days, absence of physical exercise and abundance of mental work is the main cause of depression. 
    • Regular exercise has been associated with mental, physical and social benefits.
    • It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypertension etc.
    • Exercise acts as a protective shield against neurological and psychiatric disorders.
    • It has a positive impact on brain as well and it leads to an increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which enhances the cognitive functions and provides protection against depression. 
  5. Meditation: Meditation acts as a greatest stress buster. Stress can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is triggered by sudden events such as losing a loved one or a job. Stress which is experienced over a longer period of time is termed as chronic stress.  It can create havoc in our lives as it can lead to mental as well as heart ailments.
    • Long term stress damages health and affects the normal functioning of the body.
    • Meditation is a state of complete relaxation. it dissolves all stressful thoughts naturally and cleanses all distractions and stress-inducing chemicals produced by the brain.
    • Moreover, regular practice of Meditation energizes the whole mind and body, bringing all the chemicals and hormones of the body in the balanced state.
    • All negative emotions such as stress, anger, tension, anxiety, irritability, moodiness, feelings of loneliness, isolation, reactions etc. begin to diminish.

Thus, it can be concluded that all of these are helpful in maintaining proper mental health as well as tackling issues related to mental illness. 

Disclaimer:-

This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!

For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com.

 3,059 total views,  1 views today