In Ayurveda, ojas is considered the essence of vitality and immunity. It represents the purest form of energy produced from the digestion of food, experiences, and emotions. Ojas is thought to be responsible for overall health, longevity, and resilience. When ojas is strong, it reflects in a person’s physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional stability.

Imagine ojas as a glowing, golden reservoir within your body. It’s like a vibrant, luminous fluid that fills you with warmth and vitality. When ojas is plentiful, it radiates a soft, healthy glow from your skin and gives you a sense of inner lightness and strength.

Visualize it as a golden aura or a shining, serene lake that reflects a clear, calm sky. When your ojas is strong, this golden aura is bright and steady, enveloping you in a protective and nurturing energy.

On the other hand, when ojas is depleted, this golden light may appear dim or flickering, and the serene lake might look murky or disturbed. The energy around you feels less vibrant, and there’s a sense of depletion and imbalance.

How to Increase Ojas

1. Balanced Diet: Eating fresh, wholesome, and nourishing foods is crucial. Foods that are sweet, juicy, and rich in nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, help build and maintain ojas. Avoid processed foods and excess sugar. When we say ‘fresh’ it doesn’t mean raw, in general, cooked warm foods from fresh ingredients consumed shortly after cooking (or at least within 24 hours) is best.
2. Adequate Hydration: Drinking warm water and herbal teas supports digestion and helps maintain ojas. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can deplete ojas.
3. Regular Exercise: Gentle, regular physical activity, such as yoga or walking, helps balance energy and strengthen the body. Avoid overexertion or extreme workouts which can deplete ojas.
4. Proper Sleep: Getting enough restful sleep is vital for ojas. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a calming bedtime environment. Are you seeking better sleep? Check out these tips!
5. Stress Management: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness reduce stress and help maintain mental and emotional balance, which in turn supports ojas.
6. Positive Emotions and Experiences: Engage in activities that bring joy and satisfaction. Positive experiences and emotions contribute to the generation of ojas.
7. Routine and Rhythm: Adhering to a daily routine, such as eating meals at regular times and following a daily schedule, supports overall balance and vitality.

By incorporating these practices into your life, you can help to nurture and increase ojas, leading to improved overall health and well-being. If you’d like to get some practical tips on day to day living of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, check out my post on Living the Sattvic Lifestyle.