Tips to calm your mind

Dear Editor,
Its pandemic time and everyone is busy with dealing with the current situation. Work load has increased, children are frustrated due to COVID lockdown, stress and tension has become part of life so it is very important to calm one’s mind to live peacefully.
We fail to enjoy the beauty in simple things – being with nature, enjoying a sunset, watching favourite movie/serial or having our favourite meal. Is there nothing that can ‘quiet’ the mind and allow us to enjoy the moment? The mind never gets a day off. It’s either busy with ‘who-said-what’ or mulling on the past or future. With Yoga and meditation, train your mind to stay calm, happy and relaxed.
Mind-chatter affects not just our work but also our day-to-day life, making us restless and uncomfortable. While there is no way the mind can be ‘turned off’ for some time, the holistic yoga package comprising Yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), Sudarshan Kriya and meditation help the mind come back to the present, and restore clarity and alertness.
It’s a good idea to start with some stretches and Yoga postures that help making the body stable and light. Practicing Yoga can sometimes seem challenging to beginners. At the onset, the body is stiff, unsteady and lacks flexibility. Moreover, we become aware of uneasiness in certain parts of the body while stretching in Yoga poses. One can also try dry brushing. Dry brushing is a technique that is often used in Ayurvedic medicine and has relaxing benefits. This technique is a fast and inexpensive way to feel refreshed. All you need is a regular body brush. Rather than using the brush in the bath or shower, you simply brush your dry skin gently.
Spend time on your self outside in nature, whether it’s a local park or on your roof. Turn off your phone and enjoy pure nature.
Meditation is another form of ‘Yoga’ which means ‘Dhyana’. Meditation is the best practice to come closer to self and self- care. To do it in the right way, one should understand its meaning. Meditation purely means ‘state of consciousnesses’. It is not simple breathing in and out technique but it is to be aware of your own self keeping away all the distractions. You should have an ‘empty mind’ which is the prime goal of meditation. It just allows hearing you your breathing and surrounding pleasing sounds. By following these simple steps and adapting these in your life one can calm his mind and can have a peaceful living.
Dr Mohit Kesar,
Jammu.