This post was originally published on 06/08/2010 and updated on 15/04/2019
Making the start of the day something special, bringing some ritual to your life and taking the focus off your job or daily chores is something that I think we could all benefit from. it’s why a daily routine is such an important part of Ayurveda.
In Sanskrit the daily routine is called the Dinachrya. Din means ‘day’ and acharya means ‘to follow’ or ‘close to’. So you could think of it as being ‘close to the day’.
Daily routines give you stability and help you to ground.
There are A LOT of things here. You don’t need to do them all. Just chooses ones that resonate with you.
You might need to get out of bed earlier but it is so worth it!
Start slowly if you need to and then once you are feeling the benefits you will have no trouble shaving a little more time off your sleep.
Try just one or two things, to begin with, and then add to them as you become more accustomed to waking up earlier.
If you miss a day don’t give up and don’t be hard on yourself, just try again the next day.
Remember that every day is different and new.
Morning
- Wake, ground and connect with the day – As soon as you wake up, resist the temptation to start planning your day and thinking about all the things you need to do. Focus on your breath and just be for a few moments.
- Set an intention – Say a positive mantra to set an intention for the day. It could be “I am going to have a positive day” or “Today is a good day” or “I am going to live today with awareness”, whatever works for you.
- Exercise – Jog, swim, or do sun salutations. Get your Prana (energy) moving, remove the stagnation in your body and strengthen your digestive fire.
- Self-massage – Connect with your body. Massage your whole body if you have time and if not massage your feet, face, head and ears.
- Pranayama – Use your breath and to bring focus and awareness to your inner self-focus. Pranayama (focused breathing) will make your day more productive by enhancing physical and mental stamina.
- Meditation – Sit or lay in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Calm your mind and focus on your breath.
- Breakfast – Eat a healthy breakfast made from unprocessed, whole foods. Eat slowly making sure to chew each mouthful. Be present.
Evening
- Be home – When you get home take the time to make the transition from your work, studies or whatever it was you were doing to being at home. Change your clothes, massage your feet, do some gentle stretches/yoga and focus again on the breath. Lay on your back, relax and come back into your body.
- Dinner – This should be the lightest meal of the day. Try not to eat after 6-7 pm as the body does not have time to digest the food eaten late at night. A light early meal at night will give you more energy the next day.
- Disconnect – Turn off the TV and put down your phone. Put on some relaxing music, read a book, have a bath, relax. Let your body and mind know that your busy day is over and soon you will be sleeping.
- Meditate – Breath, centre, bring your focus within.
- Sleep – Dream, escape, allow your body to rejuvenate and your mind to process your day.
Wake up and repeat!
I guarantee if you make this part of your daily routine you will find more harmony and balance in your life.
