It’s relatively common to feel sluggish in the morning, lethargic in the afternoon and restless at night. According to Ayurveda, to have good health and feel energised, we should live in tune with nature’s cycles. By implementing a simple morning and night routine, you can achieve harmony.
Ayurveda recommends morning and night time practices called Dinacharya. The morning routine promotes focus, a calm outlook and sustainable energy to help you throughout your busy day. The night time routine will help you wind down and prepare you for sleep.
Ayurveda Morning routine
Waking
According to Ayurveda, before sunrise is the ideal time to get up in the morning because of the vata dosha – a subtle energy. The atmosphere is still quiet at this time, which also makes it easier to meditate. Energy after the sun rises, is heavy, which can make you feel heavy and tired.
Washing
Clean out your nostrils using a warm saline solution of warm water and sea salt in order to flush out germs, pollution and dust that has accumulated overnight. According to yoga tradition, it equalises the flow of breath between the nostrils and balances your energy.
Ayurveda also recommends tongue-scraping to get rid of toxins that lead to illness. Then, before you brush your teeth, drink a glass of warm water flavoured with a slice of lemon or lime. This helps to flush the digestive tract and kick-start your metabolism.
Massage
According to Ayurveda, massaging your body with warm, pure oils promotes detoxification and moisturises skin. Just 10 minutes in the morning is enough. Start with your temples, face and neck then work your way down using circular motions. If you have time, let the oil sit for a few minutes, then shower.
Ayurveda Evening routine
Wind down
As the sun goes down, keep lights dim. Lessen your exposure to electronics and don’t use any at all an hour before going to bed. It’s time to tell your body to ‘switch off.’ Light some candles or a stick of incense fused with vanilla, which has a calming effect. Add some essential oils to a bath and have a relaxing soak.
Soothe
Give yourself a foot massage with a drop of sesame oil for ten minutes. There are several pressure points in the feet that correspond to the whole body, which means you can relax within just a few minutes.
Drink
Before bed, heat some organic milk (or rice milk or similar) and add ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Warm whole milk is used in Ayurveda as an insomnia remedy, so it’s perfect to help you drift off to sleep.
Breathe
Just before going to bed, or before evening meditation, practice nostril breathing known as Nadi Shodhana. Do this by using your thumb and finger to open and close each nostril, while you breathe through the other. This will help you transition from activity to stillness, which will relax the body and mind.
Following this Ayurveda routine can help you focus, energise and relax when you need to. You will experience more peace of mind and it’s an opportunity to focus on yourself. Start with just one or two of these practices and gradually build more into your daily routine. You’ll feel better in no time.
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