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Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

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The Secret to Resilience: How to Build & Protect Your Ojas

February 17, 20254 min read

Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to glow? They wake up energized, their skin is luminous, and there’s an undeniable vibrancy about them. In Ayurveda, this glow isn’t just good genetics or luck—it’s the result of strong Ojas.

Ojas (pronounced oh-jus) is the essence of vitality, our deep reservoir of life force. It influences everything from immunity, digestion, and physical strength to mood, spiritual inclination, and sleep. When Ojas is abundant, we feel radiant, joyful, and deeply nourished. But when it's depleted? Fatigue, brain fog, poor digestion, dull skin, and emotional instability can creep in.

Here’s the good news: You can build and protect your Ojas with the right lifestyle, yoga practices, and nourishing foods. Ayurveda teaches that it takes 27-30 days to fully form Ojas from what we ingest, meaning every choice matters.

Let’s explore how to cultivate Ojas naturally, so you can feel vibrant, resilient, and full of life.

Signs That You Are Protecting Your Ojas

Want to know if your Ojas levels are thriving? Here are some telltale signs:

Easy waking up – no grogginess, just natural energy
Radiant, glowing skin – hydration and brightness from within
Strong immunity – rare colds, quick recovery
Balanced energy levels – no extreme highs or crashes
Deep, restful sleep – waking up feeling fully restored
Good digestion – smooth metabolism, regular elimination
Emotional stability – joy, resilience, and a sense of inner peace
Mental clarity – clear thoughts, sharp focus
Heart-centered connection – feeling at ease with yourself and others

If you’re nodding along, great—you’re doing something right! But if you’re feeling sluggish, heavy, or emotionally off-balance, it might be time to nourish your Ojas intentionally.

What Builds Ojas?

To replenish your Ojas, focus on deep nourishment for body, mind, and spirit.

Daily Practices for Ojas Protection

  • Quality sleep – consistent bedtime, screen-free wind-down

  • Restorative yoga & pranayama – balancing breathwork, slow movement

  • Nature & sunshine – grounding, fresh air, and daily sunlight exposure

  • Joyful activities – follow what lights you up

  • Selfless service (Seva) – giving without expectation

  • Laughter, love, and connection – time with pets, family, and friends

  • Tech breaks & digital detox – minimizing screen stress

  • Reading, creative expression, and self-care – feeding your inner world

 Ojas-Boosting Foods

Food is medicine, and what you eat plays a huge role in cultivating radiance from the inside out. Choose organic, whole, mild, and lightly spiced foods that nourish deeply without overstimulating.

  • Healthy Fats: ghee, avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil

  • Nuts & Seeds: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds

  • Sweet & Grounding Foods: dates, figs (fresh or soaked), raisins (soaked is best), sweet potatoes, beets

  • Whole Grains: warm and spiced rice pudding, whole grains

  • Healing Broths: bone marrow, mineral-rich broths

  • Berries & Fruits: blueberries, naturally sweet seasonal fruits

These foods strengthen digestion, boost immunity, and replenish energy—all essential for building Ojas.

Yoga, Breath & Meditation for Ojas

A well-balanced yoga practice supports Ojas by reducing stress, enhancing circulation, and calming the nervous system.

  • Dynamic movement in winter (for Kapha balance) – Sun Salutations, twists, heart openers

  • Pranayama:

    • Breath of Joy – clears stagnation and uplifts mood

    • Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – balances and calms

    • Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) – deeply soothes the nervous system

  • Meditation: Stillness and visualization practices that cultivate inner radiance

If you're feeling low on energy, heavy, or uninspired, your Ojas may need extra care.

What Depletes Ojas? (Avoid These!)

To keep your radiance strong, be mindful of what drains Ojas:

Overworking & burnout – balance productivity with deep rest
Poor sleep habits – lack of quality sleep weakens the system
Highly processed, artificial foods – choose fresh, whole nourishment
Excess screen time & overstimulation – digital overload drains energy
Emotional suppression & stress – cultivate joy, playfulness, and self-expression

By making small, consistent shifts, you can fortify your Ojas and feel deeply nourished every day.

Take the Next Step Toward Radiance

Want to replenish your Ojas and tap into your true vitality? Start with guided relaxation and intention-setting.

Download my FREE "Guide to Setting Your Intention"

Experience deep rest with a 40-minute Yoga Nidra session—yours for life for just $10.


When you nourish your body, mind, and soul, you don’t just survive—you thrive!

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