Tips for an Active Mind

An overactive mind can come as a natural tendency for many causing unnecessary stress and worry. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health documented over 5000 years ago, offers various traditional yet very effective methods to help relax the mind, increase focus and energy yet keep the mind calm.

Meditation

Ayurveda strongly speaks of meditation as a very effective method for calming the mind and reducing tension. By bringing attention on the breath and becoming aware of the present moment, we can calm the mind and detoxify the mind of negative thoughts and emotions that feel draining.

Yoga

Yoga is another strong pillar in the Ayurvedic daily practices to keep a healthy and fit mind. Yoga asanas (postures), Pranayamas (breathing techniques), and Mudras (symbolic hand gestures) can help to balance the doshas, or bioenergies, in the body, which can help to rid the mind of unwanted chatter therefore reducing stress and anxiety.

Pranayama

Another important practice that is highly admired, is Pranayama, or breath control. Prana is the subtle life force energy and Yama means to store or to direct. Ayurveda teaches us that by controlling the breath, we can manage the mind. Practicing different breathing techniques, such as Nadi Shodhan (alternate nostril breathing), Sheetali Pranayam, Brahmari Pranayam and many other east to practice methods, can help to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurveda also recommends incorporating certain plant medicine as methods of daily rejuvenation. Ayurvedic herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Licorice, and Tulsi - Holy Basil, to relax the mind and reduce stress are known to be very effective. Herbs like Brahmi are also recognized as useful for reducing overthinking and promoting cognitive function.

Lastly, Ayurveda suggests that by having a daily routine and making time for relaxation, we can reduce stress and quiet the overactive mind. This can include practices such as journaling, listening to soothing music, practicing self-massage (Abhyanga as known in Ayurveda) and scalp massage and taking a warm bath before bed.