By DR BHUSHAN KUMAR UPADHYAYAA :
according to neuroscience,
emotions are not obstacles,
butsignals of the body and
the mind.They need to be channelised intelligently and not to be
suppressed. In Yogic wisdom, we
maycall them Chitta Vrittis or fluctuations of the mind.
Neuroscientific research has
delved deep in the subject as to
how the brain’s limbic system and
prefrontal cortex interact to
reshape emotional responses.The
entire philosophy of Yoga is aimed
at regulating our emotions and
developing Sakshibhava or a
sense of witnessing.
While integrating the Yogicwisdom with neuroscientific insights,
we maysuggest the following tips
to regulate our emotions;
Observe without reaction- It is
found that witnessingemotions
activates the prefrontal cortex, the
centre of reasoning and reduces
impulsive reactions.
Slow, deep breath—The
Pranayamic slow and deep breath
stimulates the vagus nerve, calming downthe nervous system.
Lengthen the exhalation- Long
exhalation sends safety signals to
the brain, reducing anxiety.
Practise mindfulness- practising
mindfulness anchors the subject
into the present free from anxiety
and worries.
Name the emotions-Labelling
emotions like I am angry reduces
the e- Straight spine influences
the mood positively and boosts
confidence.
Use grounding techniquesFocus on the body sensations is
found to be agreat anchoring
technique for being in the present
moment.
Regulate sensoryinputsReducing the overstimulation of
senses calms themind.
Practise gratitude- it enhances
dopamine and serotonin happy
hormones, improving emotional
resilience.
Follow arhythmic routine or
Dinacharya -Predictability stabilizes brain function andemotional
patterns.
Engage in physical movementYogasanas andphysical exercises
release stored tension and harmonize neurochemistry.
Pause before responding— This
habit creates agap between stimulus and response.
This is called
self mastery.
Cultivate Vairagya or detachment- This is agreat Yogictool to
calm downthe mind. It is not
indifference, but the freedom from
emotional over identification.
Chanting of Mantra repetitionSound vibrations calm neural
oscillation and lead to the focus of
the mind.
Sleep adequately- Sleep deprivation heightens emotional reactivity.
Nourish the body wisely.Sattvic
food supports mental stability and
regulation.
Journal your thoughts- Writing
reduces mental noise andstress.
Practise compassion- Empathy
activates positive neural circuits
and reduces negativity.
Limit rumination- Shifting attention dissolves distress and restores
mental equilibrium.
Meditate regularly- Meditation
strengthens the neural circuits,
balances the mind ,and improves
cognitive clarity.
Viewed neuroscientifically,
emotional regulation hinges on
balancing the reactivity of the
amygdala with the rational prefrontal cortex.Emotional regulation is not about control, but about
harmonizingthe nervous systems.
Yoga teaches us to alignwith our
inner nature. Thus, emotional regulation is both apracticeand a
biological process. By practising
theabove techniques one can
move from reactivity to responsiveness and from turbulence to
tranquility over aperiod of time.
The tips mentioned above are the
timeless Yogictools which have
been validated by numerous neuroscientific research.The ancient
texts like the Geeta, the
Upanishads, andYogic scriptures
are full of suchtechniques to calm
the mind, regulate emotions, and
restore the mental bliss.
(The writer is Former DG
Police &CG, Homeguards,
Maharashtra) ■