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Seven Keys to Unlock Your Full Mental Potential

Our mental abilities determine the success of all our thinking and activity. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, there are three equally important aspects to mental performance - "dhi" - learning and comprehension, governed by Vata dosha (Prana Vata), "dhriti" - processing and retention of knowledge, the realm of Pitta dosha (Sadhaka Pitta), and "smriti" - memory or recall, controlled by Kapha dosha (Tarpaka Kapha).

For the best mental performance and realization of the fullest mental potential, each of these three factors individually needs to be at its peak, and Ojas, the coordinator among the three factors also needs to be optimal. Ayurveda recommends paying attention to the three fundamental pillars of good health -- diet, sleep and lifestyle -- to achieve a state of mental wholeness and balance.

1. Eat pure, "intelligent" foods

According to Ayurveda, it is very important to eat foods that are natural and pure for their full benefit to be absorbed by the body. When foods are as close to their state in nature as possible, that's when they deliver the most potent nutrition. Foods that have been genetically altered, processed or refined have much of their natural intelligence stripped from them, and they disturb the intellect and the coordination among the three aspects of mental prowess.

Also it is better where possible to avoid foods that are canned or preserved with artificial additives and preservatives, or foods with artificial colours and flavours. Cooking with fresh, organic ingredients can take a little more time and effort but your brain, and indeed your entire physiology will thank you for it and repay the effort with accelerated performance.

2. Maintain a supply of balanced nutrition

The recommended Ayurvedic diet is vegetarian. Grains, beans and legumes provide nutrients for the brain. Be sure to include plenty of cooked leafy greens. Several helpings of fruit and vegetables are recommended. Sweet juicy fruits are excellent cleansers -- they help flush toxins out of the body. Freshly squeezed fruit juices deliver nutrients quickly to your mind and body.

Don't count fat out entirely. Fat performs some essential functions in the body, especially in the brain. Ayurveda recommends Ghee (Clarified Butter), which is valued for its ability to transport the benefits of herbs and spices to the brain and to other parts of the body. Eat Ghee in moderation. Include some dairy if you are not lactose-intolerant, such as whole organic milk and fresh yoghurt. Almonds and walnuts are also excellent brain foods.

When you need something sweet fruits, raisins and dates are a much better option than sugared drinks and foods.

Spices are crucial additions to a brainpower-enhancing diet. Many spices enhance digestion and facilitate the clearing of toxins from the body. This means that the channels of the body, including those that serve the brain, will be clear. Black pepper in small quantities is particularly recommended for clearing the channels of the brain and promoting the free flow of oxygen to the brain.

According to Ayurveda, good eating habits are as important as what you eat. Sitting down to eat, focusing on the food rather than on work or other activities, and savouring the meal are important. Ice-cold drinks disrupt digestion and impair the assimilation of nutrients by the body, and should therefore be avoided.

3. Harness the power of antioxidants

The hundred billion cells in your brain continuously use oxygen to stoke the mental fire. But because the brain is such a heavy user of oxygen, it is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. Free radicals, reactive oxygen-based chemicals that thrive on stress, pollution and chemicals in your food can build up, damaging cells and brain function over time.

Antioxidants are therefore crucial for continued effective functioning of the brain. Recent research showed that blueberries are powerful brain food, primarily because of their antioxidant value. Maharishi Amrit Kalash, the powerful broad-spectrum antioxidant from Maharishi Ayurveda, contains Amalaki, the Indian gooseberry, considered the richest natural source of vitamin C, along with a rich balance of other herbs.

In published research, Amrit has been shown to be 1,000 times more potent as a free radical scavenger than vitamin C or E.

Isolating an active substance from a food or a plant and taking it in the form of a pill or a capsule can sometimes do more harm than good. For example, beta-carotene, an antioxidant, taken as a supplement, was shown in research to actually increase the risk of some forms of cancer. It is best to take your antioxidants the way nature intended -- in foods, where they occur in a balanced form. Amrit is a natural potent mix of 44 whole herbs, fruits and spices -- a balanced formulation that creates no potentially harmful side effects.

4. Use herbs and aromas to enhance mental potential

Ayurveda talks about a special class of herbs called "Medhya" herbs -- herbs especially useful for the mind. These herbs individually enhance learning, retention and recall and also promote the coordination among the three factors. They provide powerful nourishment for the brain.

Shankhapushpi or Aloeweed, Jal-Brahmi or Bacopa monniera and Indian Pennywort (Gotu Kola) or Centella asiatica are some well-known Ayurvedic herbs known to Support the health and functioning of the mind. Aloeweed, for example, enhances memory and problem-solving ability even under situations of day-to-day stress. Gotu Kola is a memory-enhancer with vayasthapana or age-inhibiting qualities. In addition Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) helps support resistance to stress.

It is best to take these herbs as part of safe synergistic formulae that contain other supporting and balancing herbs such as the range offered by Maharishi Ayurveda.  Study Power Syrup is especially useful for anyone who has to learn new information (syrups are assimilated fast). Youthful Mind tablets help maintain mental clarity and memory no matter what your age. Study support tablets helps enliven the ability to absorb, retain and utilize knowledge.

Some essential oils are excellent aromatherapy for the mind. The Keen Mind aroma blend has a remarkable ability to enliven and focus the mind.

5. Manage stress levels

We live in difficult times. Stress and anxiety, whether caused by time pressures or difficult work relationships or worrying about losing a job, can have a significant negative impact on mental performance. A calm mind, serene and centred in its equilibrium, is unquestionably superior in terms of focus, attention span, retention of knowledge and problem-solving ability. It is important to manage stress before it becomes a severe problem because stress has been known to damage or destroy brain cells and many prescription pills for anxiety can have side effects that can further erode mental performance.

Planning tasks ahead and managing timelines, taking occasional short (even five minute) breaks during periods of intense mental activity, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and relaxation can all help. The Transcendental Meditation® technique, practiced twice a day for 20 minutes, has been shown to be extremely effective for managing stress. Listening to relaxing music such as the classical Rain Raga or diffusing aromas that help relax you, such as Peace of Mind and Emotional Strength balance the mind and emotions.

The daily morning Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga) is excellent for both mind and body. It is a cleansing, toning, rejuvenating experience that can charge you up to meet a full day head-on. Use sesame (or coconut or olive oil) or one of our herbalised Vata, Pitta or Kapha Massage Oils for extra benefit.

6. Get adequate, quality sleep

Related to stress is the other plague of modern society -- lack of deep, restful sleep. With diet and lifestyle, sleep is a fundamental pillar of Ayurveda. Optimal physical and mental performance is impossible if all three of these factors are not addressed.

Getting eight hours of sleep is less important than striving for quality sleep, which, according to Ayurveda, occurs when the mind is totally disconnected from the senses. Quality sleep recharges and rejuvenates the mind, improving both short-term and long-term mental prowess. How much or how little you need is an individual matter, go by what your body and mind tell you.

Abhyanga is a daily warm oil full-body massage to increase stamina during the day and promote quality sleep at night. Cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine; making work-related materials taboo in the bedroom and winding down the evening with calming activities, instead of stimulating ones, to help prepare the mind for restful sleep; are key to getting your zzz's. A cup of Peace at Night Tea before bedtime helps this. Aromatherapy can also help - try Peace at Night or Nidra (Sleep) blends.

Food supplements to support sleep are Blissful Sleep Basic with Blissful Sleep Vata (to help go to sleep), Blissful Sleep Pitta (to support uninterrupted sleep) and Blissful Sleep Kapha (to help feel fresh in the morning).

7. Use it or lose it!

It is the alternation of deep rest, provided by the Transcendental Meditation technique, and dynamic activity that helps the mind develop its full potential. No matter what your age or your occupation; your brain needs to be constantly challenged to be at its peak in terms of performance. So learn new skills, keep your brain busy and give it 15-20 minutes deep rest twice a day.

Imbalances

Vata Imbalance

If lack of focus is a problem follow a Vata balancing routine and diet. Favour calming foods that are sweet, sour, salty, warm, heavy and oily. Establish a regular daily routine, go to bed early and keep warm, especially when the weather is cold and windy.  (Also to help balance Vata are Vata Tea, Vata Aroma Oil & Vata Aromatic Seasoning mix).

Pitta Imbalance

If intensity, unhappiness and over heating are problems follow a Pitta balancing routine and diet. Favour cooling foods that are sweet, bitter, astringent, cool, heavy and dry. Make time for leisure, don’t skip meals, and stay cool, especially when the weather is hot. (Also to help balance Pitta are Pitta Tea, Pitta Aroma Oil & Pitta Mild Seasoning mix).

Kapha Imbalance

If lethargy and fogginess are problems follow a Kapha balancing routine and diet Favour stimulating foods that are pungent, bitter, astringent, warm, light and dry. Seek variety and new things in life, don’t overeat, exercise regularly and stay warm, especially when the weather is cold and damp. (Also to help balance Kapha are Kapha Tea, Kapha Aroma Oil & Kapha Spicy Seasoning mix).

For further information about and to order the products mentioned above see How to Order or call 01695 51015 and for information about the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre see www.MaharishiAyurveda.co.uk or call 01695 51008. 

DISCLAIMER: These results may not be typical. Results with products may vary from individual to individual. Information presented here is for the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and neither the information nor the product is intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional. Before making changes to your diet or routine, it is recommended that you speak with your physician.