Ayurvedic Daily Routine
The functioning of life on earth is based on rhythms determined by the times of day, the year, the phases of the moon and the sun. Repeated cycles occur everywhere and anyone who looks at nature can easily see how much they affect life, including, of course, human life.
Our life is not only subject to external rhythms, but also to our own rhythms such as in a woman's menstrual cycle, or the rhythmic beating of the heart, breathing not to mention the cycles at the cellular level. All rhythms in the universe are interdependent and form one whole, as if one big living organism. When we recognise these subtle connections and begin to harmonise with them, we will quickly experience positive changes in our mood and appearance. In fact, it is very simple and does not require any dedication or time at all. The important thing is to use our intelligence and look at our own rhythms and not give in to the cravings and temptations that our senses mainly ask for. An excellent way to synchronise our daily activities with our natural rhythms is the Ayurvedic daily routine. It is a set of certain activities based on the biological rhythms of man and nature.
Dream
Sleep should usually last between six and eight hours. This is enough sleep for the body to regenerate, mainly the brain and nervous system. Obese people should not sleep for too long, i.e. more than 8 hours, nor should they take afternoon naps, because, according to ayurveda, this slows down the metabolism and thus causes greater weight gain. It is good to get up early, according to when the sun rises. It is not without reason that it is said „He who rises in the morning, the Lord God gives”. The time of sunrise and sunset is an important part of the cycle of nature that influences our lives. The amount of melatonin, or the sleep hormone, is closely linked to the amount and intensity of light. Artificial lighting, with which we prolong our evening activities, disturbs our internal biological clock. Staring at phones or tablets before bedtime has a very bad effect on our brain function. This is one of the causes of insomnia or disturbed, restless sleep. Getting up early, even before 6 a.m., is very beneficial for us. Contrary to appearances, we have more strength and energy during the day, especially if we develop a routine of getting up early and going to bed early, preferably by 10 p.m. If we synchronise our lives with the biological clock and the cycles of nature, our body will quickly return the favour and we will feel the change on many levels.
Positive affirmation
Every morning, as soon as we wake up and take a drag, which is great for stimulating the body (think of how delightfully pets such as dogs and cats drag:) They know what's good!) we should think of something positive. It's good to visualise the day, to imagine that it will just be good. Thought is energy and what we think sooner or later translates into our lives.
Morning care
Body care starts with a face wash. It can be lukewarm water in winter and cold water in summer, which will not only refresh us but also have a great effect on the condition of the skin. Then rinse the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Eyes can be washed with rose water without any artificial additives. This will help with bloodshot and tired eyes. After rinsing and blowing, we can sprinkle the nose with 1 drop of almond or sesame oil, as well as the ears. This is not only for skin care, but according to ayurveda it also moisturises the nervous system. It is a good idea to rinse the lips with sesame oil every day. It does a great job of removing tartar from the teeth and removing toxins from the body. The oil should be sucked for a few minutes, then the mouth should be rinsed well with water and the teeth should be cleaned, preferably with a herbal toothpaste. Sesame oil suction is also an excellent way to fight a cold or as one of the forms of cleansing the body of toxins. If we have enough time, we should perform a simple body self-massage using oil, e.g. sesame, coconut or almond oil. It is enough to oil the body, rubbing it over the skin to move the blood and lymph circulation and thus help the body to cleanse itself of toxins. Then shower and move on to your preferred exercise activity. This could be for stretching, yoga, Pilates or something else we like. It is worth doing at least a few simple exercises to improve fitness and make the body more flexible.
Breathing and meditation
When we have completed all the necessary body care steps we move on to breathing and at least a short meditation. This is a very important part of the day that allows us to quiet the mind and shift our attention from the outside to the inside. More about breathing techniques and meditation here.
Drinking water and meals
Half an hour before your first meal, drink 1-2 glasses of lukewarm or even hot water. This is primarily to replenish fluids after a night out, but also to flush the entire digestive system. Hot water has greater cleansing properties, boosting metabolism and helping to remove accumulated toxins. It's also great for those struggling with constipation. It is a good idea to eat your first meal by 8am. The next meal should be eaten during the so-called peak digestive fire period, i.e. around noon until 2 p.m. at the most, and the last meal around 6 p.m.
Work
The most important thing is to have a positive attitude towards work, after all it takes us on average 1/3 of the day. Is it worth it to linger for that time feeling dissatisfied and dreaming when it will be over? Doing one's job with diligence and a positive attitude has a significant impact on one's mental and physical well-being. If possible, it is worth taking short breaks for some simple stretching exercises and deeper breaths. After work, it is a good idea to go to the park or simply be closer to nature by taking a walk for a few minutes, in order to quiet the mind, oxygenate the body and delight the eye with the green colour, which has a positive effect on the nervous system.
Evening care
It is best to cleanse the face first with oil by massaging it into the face and then by using a gentle soap. This is a very good way to cleanse the skin thoroughly without disturbing the lipid layer. It is not advisable to use heavy, highly nourishing creams at night, as the greatest regeneration of the skin takes place during sleep and all it needs is a good gas exchange. After washing, the skin should be toned with e.g. rose hydrolate and left that way, or, in the case of very dry skin, a few drops of facial oil or a small amount of light moisturising serum or cream should be used.
Routine before bedtime
It is a good idea to end each day with a short session of breathing, e.g. diaphragmatic or alternate breaths see video and meditation. Practising gratitude is a great way to notice how much good happens to us every day, to learn to notice the good things in life. Every day before you go to bed, list at least 3 good things that have happened to you. They can even be little things, like nice weather, a delicious dinner or a few kind words exchanged with a random person you have met. The thing is to develop the habit of seeing the positive side of life. With time, you will learn to see the better side of life.