Nirjher Kumar Patel
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. The term “Ayurveda” comes from the Sanskrit words “ayur,” meaning life, and “veda,” meaning knowledge. It emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall well-being.
Since ancient times, many great scholars (known as ‘Rishis’ and ‘Munis’) have been following and promoting Ayurvedic practices to live fulfilling, active, noble, and spiritual lives. Here, we shall explore three simple techniques from Ayurveda that can help improve memory in today’s information age.
Proper Diet at the Right Time
In today’s world of intermittent fasting and the keto diet, it’s interesting to note that Ayurveda talked about something similar centuries ago. Ayurveda recommends us to finish our dinner by sunset and avoid eating too late. Ayurveda recommends consuming ghee, nuts, seeds, and fruits to enhance cognitive function while advising against excessive intake of processed and sugary foods. Additionally, Ayurveda suggests incorporating herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhapushpi to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function. It’s fascinating to see how these ancient practices align with modern wellness trends! Going back to these foods is simple, as they are widely known and accessible.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Improving brain power requires not only eating right but also thinking right. Our thoughts need to be in our own control, and our energy needs to be channeled in the right direction. Meditation, Yoga, and Pranayama come to our rescue, not only purifying our thoughts but also improving concentration, memory, and brain power.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and sensations without judgment. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve concentration and memory. Repeating a mantra can also enhance mental clarity and focus, supporting better memory retention and cognitive function.
Sleep
To enhance memory, it is crucial to prioritize sound sleep and give your brain the necessary time for recovery in this fast-paced, information-filled era. Excessive screen scrolling before bedtime can hinder this process. Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of going to bed and waking up early. It advocates for a recommended eight hours of sound sleep, a discipline that many of us struggle to achieve in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Make sure to establish a consistent sleep schedule, whcih is aligned with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. According to Ayurveda, sleeping by 10 PM and waking by 6 AM is ideal. Maintain a structured daily routine as this can help regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and improved memory function.
Engaging in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading, gentle stretching, or meditation, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Introducing calming foods, such as warm milk with turmeric or a small amount of ghee, can also promote relaxation.
Quality sleep plays a significant role in memory consolidation, allowing the brain to effectively process and store information acquired during the day. Adequate rest not only enhances learning and the ability to retain and recall information, but it also helps in reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels, which can otherwise negatively impact cognitive function and memory. In addition to this, quality sleep supports overall brain health and cognitive processes, and it assists in the restoration of cognitive function.
By adhering to these Ayurvedic principles, we can greatly improve our memory, something many struggles within today’s fast-paced world. So, what are you waiting for!
