In today’s fast-paced world, many assume that incorporating Ayurvedic practices into their lives requires radical changes and extreme measures. Sweta Vikram, an Ayurvedic Doctor, explains that Ayurveda, derived from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (science or knowledge), is essentially the science of life. Its fundamental principle is to maintain health and prevent illness by restoring balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through personalized diet, lifestyle practices, and herbal remedies. This holistic approach can be seamlessly integrated into modern lifestyles, helping individuals achieve harmony and well-being without upheaval.
Take a close look at your day and see how you can create buckets for a more balanced life without turning your life upside down.
1. Daily routine (Dinacharya):
Dinacharya is the Sanskrit word for “daily routine” (‘din’ means day and ‘charya’ means to follow or close to). According to ayurveda, a daily routine utilizes our natural biological clock, per nature’s rhythm. In a nutshell, dinacharya is a simple, yet profound way to bring radical change to one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. How we begin our morning sets the tone for the rest of the day.
- Wake up early, ideally before sunrise.
- Practice oil pulling and tongue scraping for oral hygiene.
- Drink warm water to eliminate bowels as well as toxins.
- Practice yoga or light exercise in the morning.
- Meditate and do pranayama.
- Make a list of what you are grateful for.
2. Diet:
Ayurveda tells us that we should ideally eat to fill half our stomach, another one-fourth of the capacity should be kept for water, and the last quarter should be kept empty. When we eat excessively or eat too little, we mess around with our agni, the fire that’s responsible for digestion, assimilation, absorption, and transformation. Agni converts food in the form of energy, which is responsible for all the vital functions of our body.
- Eat fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods.
- Pay attention to your cravings.
- Let lunch be your biggest meal as that’s when the digestion is strongest.
- Listen to your true hunger, not just eye hunger.
- Avoid overeating.
- Include all six tastes in your meals: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
- Walk a minimum of 100 steps after every meal.
- Avoid heavy, late-night meals, and erratic meal timings.
- Eat with awareness in a calming environment.
- Drink warm water throughout the day.
- Avoid ice or any cold drinks as they extinguish the agni.
- Use spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin in your cooking.
3. Sleep:
When we sleep, we heal. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of proper sleep for maintaining optimal health. Not getting enough sleep may lead to accidents, work mishaps, lowered productivity in the short-term along with irritability and impatience. Too little sleep can also leave you feeling tired to do the things you enjoy doing—be it in your personal life or professional life.
- According to the Ayurvedic clock, it’s best to get into bed before 10 pm and wake up before sunrise.
- Align your sleeping patterns with the cycles of the day and honor nature’s biorhythms. 6pm-10pm is Kapha time of the evening when the mind starts to slow down and there is a natural dullness induced in the body.
- Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Maintain sleep hygiene—try to sleep and wake at consistent times.
- Avoid electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime.
- Avoid sleeping in late unless you are sick or feeling exhausted.
- Massage your Crown Chakra for a few minutes to lower the mind chatter.
4. Stress management:
The stress is known as sahasa in Ayurveda. Sahasa by causing ojahksaya (loss of immunity) increases the susceptibility of the body to various diseases.
- Practice meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises)
- Consult with an Ayurvedic Doctor to confirm if Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha or Brahmi or Tulsi are the right choice for you to combat stress.
- Incorporate self-massage (abhyanga) into your routine.
- Practice Yoga Nidra to nourish your nervous system.
- Take breaks from screens, disconnect from social media, make intentional pauses, do digital detox, and turn inward.
- Consider seasonal cleanses or fasts under the guidance of an ayurvedic expert.
6. Mind-body balance:
When the mind and body are in balance, we experience a wide range of benefits, including improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.
- Practice mindfulness in daily activities like eating, working out, or even taking a shower.
- Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment—be it dancing or volunteering or grabbing chai with a friend.
- Spend time in nature regularly.
- Pay attention to what impacts your mind-body.
7. Environment:
Examine your internal as well as external environment closely. Be it people or the place, are they supportive of what you need?
- Keep your living space clean and clutter-free.
- Build healthy boundaries around toxic people.
- Use natural cleaning products.
- Incorporate plants or essential oils for air purification.
“The great thing about Ayurveda is that its treatments always yield side benefits, not side effects.”
Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact the author.
