When it’s abundant, we have health. When it’s depleted, we have disease.
What lowers ojas: negative emotions like anger, sorrow and fear, overwork and overexercise, stress, poor digestion, lack of sleep, too much time outdoors (yes), and excessive electronics.
Fall is also the time of vata-dosha when the elemental force of air and space dry up ojas.
As a therapist who works with people with all types of chronic conditions, including anxiety and depression, I do not know a single person in this modern-age who is NOT ojas deficient.
Ojas is replenished through diet and energy conservation. A specialized diet may include nourishing warm foods, ghee, and herbs like ashwagandha.
Energy conservation is achieved with yoga practices like yoga nidra, specific breathing practices to not overstimulate, and mantra meditation to soothe and pacify the systems.