PREVENTATITVE TECHNIQUES FOR GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
Ayurvedic psychology is a broad and rich aspect of traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The classic texts discuss a wide range of Manasika Rogas (mental health disorders) from common stress and anxiety to complex mental illnesses. Ayurvedic psychology discusses treatment as well as prevention of mental health imbalances. There are several preventative measures we need to actively cultivate in our daily lives for good mental health.
Dhi
Dhi means, “intellect.” We need to actively keep our intellect engaged. Pursing knowledge helps to keep out minds flexible. Staying actively mentally engaged reduces boredom and increases a sense of wonderment or excitement. We all need to cultivate this zest for life. Studies show that exercising your brain regularly reduces cognitive decline.[1]
Dhairya
Dhairya means both, “self-control” and “courage”. Ayurveda says that we need to actively work on developing patience and courage. Our minds love to be entertained. We live in an era of instant gratification. You can order anything and you can look up any answer. We are trained to multi-task and move at a fast pace. We are an impatient culture.
Developing patience and courage of conviction helps us to boost Sattva. Sattva is one of the three main qualities (Maha Gunas) that colors the input and output of the mind. Sattva is the light of balance and harmony. It is pure, truth, understanding, and allows for the expanding of Consciousness. When we increase Sattva, we are less reactive. Developing patience helps us to slow down and appreciate what we have. When we are filled with gratitude, we are content. Impatience colors our minds and makes us reactive. It is an act of courage to severe ourselves from our ties of reactivity and negative habits.
Atma Jnana
Connecting to our higher selves, Consciousness, is another way to improve our mental health. As the Pandemic taught us, we need and crave connection. Connection to our community, family, friends and nature helps us reframe our lives through the lens of a bigger picture. When we take the focus off ourselves, we get less caught up in the minor bumps in the road. Studies show that helping other increases our personal contentment.[2] It could be as simple as caring for an animal, tending to plants or helping a friend. When we selflessly offer to others our inner spirit is fed.
Read More
I have written many articles on the Ayurvedic perspective on mental health. If you are interested you may want to read:
Mental Health and the Gunas
Ayurveda and Depression
Managing Anxiety, An Ayurvedic Perspective
[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-physical-or-cognitive-activity-prevent-dementia-202109162595#:~:text=These%20studies%20are%20important%20because%20they%20show%20that%2C,their%20clinical%20Alzheimer%27s%20disease%20diagnosis%20and%20cognitive%20decline.
[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11482-024-10299-9