According to Ayurveda, if you’re struggling to focus or concentrate, there may be an imbalance of one or more of the three doshas (vata, pitta, or kapha). Here’s how each of these dosha imbalances can affect your mind and how you can use Ayurveda for focus and concentration:
- Vata: When vata is out of balance, you may become forgetful or scatterbrained
- Pitta: With a pitta imbalance, you may overthink or become irritated easily
- Kapha: A kapha imbalance can make you sluggish and slow down your thought process
Even though these signs and symptoms are all quite different, they have one thing in common: They can negatively impact your ability to focus and concentrate. However, by understanding your dosha and keeping it balanced, you can begin to alleviate these issues.
Ayurvedic Practices for Improving Focus and Concentration
In addition to balancing your dosha, there are several other Ayurvedic practices you can use to improve your focus and concentration.
In short, Ayurveda teaches us that the health of our mind and the health of our physical brain are equally important – and by practicing good health habits, we can keep our minds strong and balanced. Here are some strategies for achieving optimal mental clarity:
Reduce Stimulation and Screen-Time
In today’s modern society, our brains are constantly bombarded with stimulation from technology, which can shorten our attention spans and make concentration difficult. If you’re struggling with focus, one of the most important things you can do is limit screen-time.
Soothe the Nervous System
Over stimulation of the mind, as well as scattered awareness (where the mind is being pulled in many directions at once) can lead to a dysregulated nervous system. A dysregulated nervous system makes you hyper vigilant, in a fight or flight state with adrenalin and cortisol on over drive. To be able to concentrate on one thing will be a hard task when in this state. So how can you soothe the nervous system, and bring one-pointed focus and attention back into your being?
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Pranayama: specific breathing exercises, known as pranayama in Ayurveda, are one the best tools for regulating and soothing the nervous system and bringing about a parasympathetic state (rest and digest), when we are feeling calm, we are able to focus. Pranayama needs to be practiced regularly to feel the benefits. I would recommend learning this art from a teacher and classes and then pursuing a regular practice.
- Meditation: the aim of meditation is one-pointed awareness - aka samadhi - so this meditation is the best way to improve your focus and concentration. It takes some work and regular practice to see the benefits. But it is worth it! Learn from a good teacher and then do it every day!
Use Rasayana Therapy
Rasayanas rejuvenate your mind and body, promoting longevity and overall good health. In Ayurveda, the most used rasayana is Chyawanprash, an ancient Ayurvedic herbal superfood. To experience the benefits of this incredible remedy, simply consume 1-2 tsp every morning at least 15 minutes before breakfast.
Build Ojas
Ojas, which translates to “vigor,” is a substance that strengthens your immune system, nourishes your tissues, and has many other positive impacts on your health. When you are well, you produce ojas – but if something within your body is imbalanced, you will struggle to do so. Fortunately, you can increase ojas production with a health rejuvenator like Ghruta, which boosts ojas and nourishes all bodily systems.
Incorporate Ayurvedic Herbs for Brain Health
There are several Ayurvedic herbs that are particularly good for your mind. In fact, some of them can even improve mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Rejuvenative herbs and botanicals like Amalaki, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi each have qualities that support brain health and can help you achieve optimal focus and clarity. While you can take these herbs separately, it’s easier and more effective to consume them all together in a supplement like PIOR Living Mind.
These are just a few of the ways that you can use Ayurveda to improve your focus, concentration, and overall mental well-being. You can also incorporate other practices, like yoga, mantra therapy, and pranayama, for an even stronger mind.