In Hinduism, overcoming an upset mood involves various spiritual, mental, and lifestyle practices rooted in ancient wisdom and devotion. By connecting with the teachings, deities, mantras, and inspiring stories of Hindu scriptures, individuals can cultivate inner peace, positivity, and resilience. Here are practical day-to-day approaches, mantras, and inspirational stories to guide you.
1. Meditation and Pranayama (Breath Control)
Regular meditation and pranayama calm the mind, soothe negative emotions, and help redirect thoughts positively. Simple practices, like closing the eyes and taking deep breaths, can work wonders. Focusing on the breath helps in releasing tension and centering the mind, making it easier to let go of distress.
Daily Practice: Spend 10-15 minutes each morning and evening in quiet meditation. Use “So-Hum” as a mantra during breathing, where “So” is recited mentally on the inhale and “Hum” on the exhale. This mantra represents the divine presence within every breath.
2. Recitation of Mantras
Mantras are sacred sounds that help focus the mind, release stress, and connect to divine energies. Reciting them with devotion can bring inner calm, positivity, and transformation. Here are some mantras associated with different deities for overcoming distress:
For wisdom and clarity: Saraswati Mantra – “Om Aim Saraswati Namah”
Invoke this mantra to gain clarity, wisdom, and inner peace. Reciting this mantra aligns thoughts and dispels confusion, making it helpful for overcoming emotional instability.For healing: Dhanvantari Mantra – “Om Shree Dhanvantre Namah”
This mantra connects with the energies of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda and healing. Regular recitation promotes health, well-being, and emotional balance.For prosperity and abundance: Lakshmi Mantra – “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah”
Chanting this mantra helps shift focus from lack or worry to abundance and gratitude, a powerful shift that dispels dissatisfaction and anxiety.For mental strength and courage: Hanuman Mantra – “Om Han Hanumate Namah”
Hanuman is worshipped for strength, resilience, and protection. This mantra encourages one to face challenges and fears with courage.
3. Bhakti (Devotional Worship)
Practicing devotion through daily worship and connecting with a chosen deity brings peace and emotional support. Each deity embodies certain virtues and qualities that devotees can draw from.
- Ideal Deity for Overcoming an Upset Mood:
- Lord Krishna – Known for his playful, compassionate, and wise nature, Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita encourage equanimity and inner joy, even in tough situations.
- Goddess Saraswati – Worshipping Saraswati brings wisdom, clarity, and the ability to navigate life’s emotional challenges with grace and understanding.
- Lord Shiva – As the god of transformation, Shiva helps individuals to transcend ego, letting go of resentment, and grounding oneself in acceptance and tranquility.
4. Inspiration from Hindu Scriptures
The Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata contain numerous stories and teachings that provide insight into overcoming emotional challenges. Here are a few examples:
Bhagavad Gita’s Guidance on Equanimity: Krishna teaches Arjuna the concept of Sthitaprajna—a state of inner balance where one remains undisturbed by praise or blame, success or failure. Practicing this mindset helps one stay grounded during emotional storms.
Quote: "A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires." (Bhagavad Gita, 2.70)
Story of Rama in Exile: In the Ramayana, Lord Rama accepts his exile with calmness, viewing it as divine will rather than punishment. This story encourages us to accept life’s ups and downs with dignity and faith, understanding that each experience has a purpose.
Lesson: Embrace adversity with grace. Like Rama, view life’s challenges as lessons that strengthen resolve and character.
5. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Implementing Hindu practices into daily life can help maintain a balanced state of mind. Here are some practical ways:
Morning Ritual: Begin the day with a few minutes of gratitude and chanting. Offer a prayer to your chosen deity, lighting a small diya (lamp) to symbolize bringing light to your mind and soul.
Journal with Intention: At the end of each day, write down things you’re grateful for, any lessons learned, and moments of happiness. This practice, inspired by Santosha (contentment), a principle in Hinduism, helps cultivate joy and dispel negativity.
Seva (Selfless Service): Offering selfless service to others in need, such as helping family or volunteering, can transform moods. This act of giving brings perspective and fills the heart with compassion, replacing personal concerns with empathy.
6. Incorporating Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are a form of Japa (repetition) that reprogram the mind. Simple affirmations inspired by Hindu thought include:
- “I am connected to the divine within me, and I am at peace.”
- “I trust in the wisdom of the universe to guide me through all challenges.”
- “I am resilient, and each experience helps me grow.”
Repeat these affirmations daily, particularly in the morning, to set a positive tone for the day.
7. Recommended Diet and Lifestyle in Ayurveda
Ayurveda, Hinduism’s sister science, emphasizes lifestyle practices and diet to promote a balanced state of mind:
Sattvic Diet: A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts helps keep the mind calm and balanced. Avoiding excess spicy, fried, or tamasic (stale) foods is beneficial for mental clarity.
Routine and Rest: Follow a regular daily routine (Dinacharya) and sleep early to recharge and rejuvenate the mind. A regular sleep schedule helps prevent irritability and mental fatigue.
8. Inspiration and Quotes from Hindu Texts
“Manasa eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoh” – Mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation. (Amritabindu Upanishad)
This reminds us that our state of mind shapes our experience, and by cultivating a positive mindset, we can overcome bondage to distress.“Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” – Yoga is excellence in action. (Bhagavad Gita, 2.50)
This quote reminds us to act skillfully and with awareness, including how we manage emotions, fostering resilience.
9. Lesser-Known Practices for Mood Enhancement
Walking Barefoot on Grass: This practice, referred to as Prithvi Mudra, connects you to earth energy, which is calming and grounding. It can help release pent-up emotions and refresh the mind.
Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar): Practicing this yoga sequence at dawn energizes the body and mind, promoting positivity and clarity.
Incorporating these Hindu teachings, practices, and spiritual wisdom into daily life fosters inner peace, resilience, and a brighter outlook on life. By worshiping, chanting, practicing self-reflection, and connecting with positive energy, one can transcend upset moods and embrace a more fulfilling, balanced path forward.