Strive for Balance
In a culture marked by extremes, our lifestyles often stray off-kilter, and poor health can follow suit. "Everything in Ayurveda is about balance," says Lonsdorf. Whether we're at work or working out, it's essential to have a healthy, nonobsessive mind-set. Start with these suggestions.

Stay in Motion
Getting regular exercise is essential for augmenting ojas. Simon recommends yoga because it "serves and nourishes us at every level of our being." But virtually any form of exercise that gets the blood flowing and makes you feel more calm and centered will benefit ojas: a walk in the garden, a quick swim, a brisk jog. The key is in approaching the activity in a noncompulsive fashion, and not overdoing it. "Overexercising puts the body through subtle biochemical changes that erode health over time," says Lonsdorf.

Watch What You Drink
Alcohol, especially distilled spirits (like gin and vodka), depletes your ojas. "That's not to say you can't have a glass of wine now and then," says Simon, "but it is important not to overindulge." Other predictable no-nos include smoking and eating excessive amounts of fried or heavily processed foods.

Step Away from the Computer
We all know this is easier said than done. But if your job requires long hours in front of the screen, it's critical to take breaks. "Computers can disturb our electromagnetic fields, and living inside our heads so much is hard on ojas," warns Lonsdorf. Take a deep breath, log off, and go for a quick walk. Use the time wisely by noticing the world around you rather than obsessing over details and deadlines.

Don't Skimp on Sleep
"Ojas holds together consciousness and matter," says Lonsdorf. "When we're exhausted, that connection grows thin." If you must get less than eight hours of sleep, Ayurvedic experts say it's best to go to bed early and get up early. In other words, sleeping from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. is better for your ojas than sleeping from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m.