The Sun’s major planetary period in Vedic astrology, or ‘Surya Dasha’ lasts for six years and has a very significant impact on an individual’s life. The Sun represents your soul, vitality and authority. It governs areas such as leadership, fame and personal power. So, during Surya Dasha, one might experience heightened ambition, increased recognition or challenges related to ego and self expression.

A well placed Sun can bring career advancements and better social status but an afflicted Sun may lead to conflicts with authority figures, health issues or excessive pride.

Ruby, the Sun’s gemstone, is recommended during a particularly tough Surya Dasha period. As it is connected to the planet, it can help tap into it’s better energies rather than it’s afflicted ones. Alongside this, chanting the Gayatri Mantra is also known to be a good reliever—as it can align you with solar energies.

Practicing Surya Namaskar, literally ‘sun salutation’ may help regularise Sun’s energy flowing through your body and balance its influence. It is also among the yogic stances that are known to be effective cures for various muscle-related elements and keeps you fit!

Observing a fast on Sundays and offering red flowers to Surya, the Sun god, is another good option recommended with the others. Charitable acts is good too, as it generates positive karma. Donate wheat, jaggery or copper items to the needy—especially on Sundays!

Worshiping Lord Vishnu, who the Sun is considered a manifestation of, can also aid in mitigating negative solar influences. Offering water to the rising sun (Arghya) while reciting either Gayatri Mantra or Surya Beej Mantra is also believed to help—while wearing copper bracelet or rings can help balance the Sun’s energy in your body.

Keep in mind that most of these are functional only when done together and not a means to an end, rather just a modicum of relief during stressful times. The most important thing during difficult times is to have belief and not forsake the grander forces at work, because they’ve always got a plan for you. For more specialized remedies, consult an astrologer who can examine the regions of problems based on your natal chart and provide helpful insight.