Always Dinacharya!

In Ayurveda they have advocated Dinacharya for thousands of years is a Sanskrit term used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, which refers to the daily routine or daily regimen. It includes a set of practices and habits that are designed to promote good health, prevent disease, and maintain balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Dinacharya typically includes practices such as waking up early, cleansing the body, engaging in physical activity, eating nourishing meals, practicing relaxation techniques, and going to bed early. By establishing a regular dinacharya routine, individuals can support their body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.

See our tips below for how to structure you modern urban lifestyle using these ancient principles.

Wake up before sunrise

Ayurveda recommends waking up before sunrise, ideally between 4am and 6 a.m. This is considered the most auspicious time of day, when the mind is clear and the air is fresh.

Waking up before sunrise is considered an important part of maintaining good health and promoting balance in the body. This time of day is believed to be particularly conducive to spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga, as the mind is clear and free from distractions. In addition, the air during this time is said to be pure and fresh, which can help to energize and invigorate the body. By establishing a regular routine of waking up before sunrise, we can support our body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being. However, it's important to note that the ideal wake-up time can vary depending on individual factors such as age, occupation, and lifestyle.

Waking up before sunrise has several benefits for the body and mind. The stillness and calmness of the early morning hours are believed to create an ideal environment for spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, or pranayama, which can help to improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace. Additionally, the early morning air is considered to be fresher and purer than later in the day, which can help to invigorate the body and provide a natural energy boost. However, it's important to keep in mind that the ideal wake-up time may vary depending on individual factors such as age, occupation, and lifestyle, and that it's important to listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly.

Drink warm water

Start your day with a glass of warm water to help flush out toxins from the body and stimulate digestion.

Use a tongue scraper daily 

Incorporating this simple practice is a direct way of removing toxicity from your physiology. Scraping the tongue daily removes any build-up which, if left untreated, can lead to bad breath and may house a significant number of bacteria.

Take a few minutes to meditate or practice pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm the mind and reduce stress.

According to Ayurveda, meditation and pranayama are powerful practices that can help to promote mental and emotional balance, reduce stress, and support overall health and wellness. Meditation involves focusing the mind on a particular object, such as the breath or a mantra, in order to cultivate a state of inner calm and awareness. Pranayama, on the other hand, involves controlling the breath through a variety of techniques, which can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall respiratory health. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and support overall physical and mental well-being. Even just a few minutes of meditation or pranayama each day can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Daily exercise or yoga

Engage in some form of physical activity, such as yoga, stretching, or a brisk walk. This helps to improve circulation, strengthen the body, and increase energy levels.

According to Ayurveda, regular physical activity is an important part of maintaining good health and promoting balance in the body. Engaging in activities such as yoga, stretching, or a brisk walk can help to improve circulation, strengthen the body, and increase energy levels. These practices also help to promote flexibility, balance, and coordination, which can be particularly important as we age. By incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine, you can help to support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being. However, it's important to choose an activity that is appropriate for your level of fitness and to listen to your body to avoid overexertion or injury.

Shower and self-massage

Take a shower or bath, and then give yourself a gentle massage using warm oil. This helps to moisturise the skin, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system.

Self-care practices in Ayurveda such as showering or bathing and self-massage can help to promote physical and emotional well-being. Taking a shower or bath can help to cleanse the body and promote relaxation, while self-massage using warm oil can help to moisturise the skin, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. Massaging the body with warm oil, a practice known as Abhyanga, is believed to help stimulate the lymphatic system, promote detoxification, and support overall health and wellness. By incorporating these self-care practices into your daily routine, you can help to nourish your body, promote relaxation, and support overall health and well-being.

Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast 

Breakfast is an important meal in Ayurveda, it's important to choose foods that are nourishing and supportive of your body's natural rhythms. A healthy breakfast should include a balance of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and should be free of processed foods and sugary snacks. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, or brown rice can provide sustained energy throughout the day, while fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating a balanced breakfast can help to support digestion, boost energy levels, and promote overall health and well-being. However, it's important to choose foods that are appropriate for your individual constitution and to listen to your body's signals of hunger and fullness.

Engage in work or study activities during the day

Ayurveda believes  engaging in productive work or study activities during the day is important for mental and emotional well-being. 

However you should take breaks every hour or so to stretch and move around. 

It’s important to take regular breaks to stretch, move around, and rest the eyes to avoid strain and fatigue. Taking breaks every hour or so can help to improve circulation, reduce stress, and improve focus and productivity. Engaging in physical activity, such as taking a short walk or practicing some gentle stretches, can also help to promote physical and mental health. By balancing work or study activities with regular breaks and physical activity, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.

Eat a light, nutritious lunch that is easy to digest

Ayurveda says lunch is the most important meal of the day, and it's important to choose foods that are light and easy to digest. A nutritious lunch can help to support digestion, promote energy levels, and provide essential nutrients for the body. Foods that are easy to digest, such as soups or salads, can help to support the digestive system and prevent indigestion or discomfort. Additionally, it's important to avoid heavy, fried, or processed foods during lunchtime, as these can be difficult to digest and may cause fatigue or lethargy. By choosing a light, nutritious lunch, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.

Take a short nap during the afternoon to help refresh the mind and body

Ayurveda, advocates taking a short nap during the afternoon can help to refresh the mind and body, promote relaxation, and improve overall energy levels. A short nap, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes, can help to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall  well-being. However, it's important to avoid taking naps for too long or too late in the day, as this can interfere with nighttime sleep and disrupt the body's natural rhythms. By taking a short nap during the afternoon, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.

Enjoy an early and light dinner

Dinner is an important meal of the day, and it's important to choose foods that are light and easy to digest. Eating a heavy or rich dinner can put a strain on the digestive system and interfere with sleep, leading to indigestion or discomfort during the night. By choosing a light, early dinner that is easy to digest, such as steamed vegetables or soup, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, it's important to avoid eating dinner too late in the evening, as this can interfere with the body's natural rhythms and disrupt sleep. By establishing a regular routine of light, early dinners, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being.

Practice relaxation techniques before bed to help calm the mind and promote restful sleep

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bed can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep. These techniques can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and rest. By incorporating relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine, you can support your body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, it's important to avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, such as watching TV or using electronic devices, as these can interfere with sleep and disrupt the body's natural rhythms. By establishing a regular routine of relaxation techniques before bed, you can promote restful sleep and support your body's natural rhythms.

Go to bed early and allow the body to rest and rejuvenate

Going to bed early and getting a good night's sleep is an important part of the Ayurvedic daily routine. Aim to go to bed before 10 p.m. to allow the body to rest and rejuvenate. The hours before midnight are considered to be the most restorative and rejuvenating for the body, and going to bed early can help to support the body's natural rhythms and promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, it's important to establish a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, to support the body's natural circadian rhythms. By establishing a regular sleep routine and going to bed early, you can promote restful sleep and support your body's natural rhythms.

Conclusion

Each person's daily routine will vary depending on their individual needs and circumstances, such as their age, occupation, lifestyle, and health status. It's important to listen to your body and make adjustments to your routine as needed. For example, if you feel tired or run down, you may need to incorporate more rest and relaxation into your routine. On the other hand, if you feel sluggish or stagnant, you may need to incorporate more physical activity or movement into your routine. By listening to your body and making adjustments as needed, you can create a daily routine that supports your overall health and well-being. If you want to delve more into our topics sign up below to be in the know.