Daily routines help us feel more balanced within our natural constitution and are a big part of the Ayurvedic lifestyle. Everything we do has an effect on our current state. The way we eat, sleep, work and enjoy ourselves all have an effect on how we experience the present moment. Following certain daily activities throughout the day can have a tremendous effect on our emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. They are necessary to establish the right rhythm and help us feel grounded and calm throughout the most stressful days.
I studied the Ayurvedic lifestyle with Dr. Lad and here is a list of some of the most important rituals to include in your morning routine:
· Wake early-Waking before the sunrises brings in freshness and peace of mind to the senses.
· Look at hands- Before you leave the bed, gently move your hands over your face and chest down to your waist to cleans the aura
· Set an intension for the day-By giving gratitude before you leave the bed it will give you a sense of purpose for the rest of the day and help you connect with the universal intelligence.
· Splash cold water on eyes-Blink your eyes seven times and rotate your eyes in all directions. This will help stimulate your nervous system and fully awaken you.
· Brush your teeth-Always use a soft toothbrush and an astringent, pungent, bitter toothpaste or powder. Triphala is great for oral health.
· Scrape your tongue-Gently scrape the whole surface of the tongue 7-14 times with a tongue scraper. This removes dead bacteria and stimulates the digestive system.
· Evacuate bowels-If you have a healthy digestive system you will feel the need to evacuate in the morning.
· Drink warm water-This flushes the G.I. tract and the kidneys and stimulates peristalsis.
· Oil pull-To strengthen the teeth, gums, jaw and improve the voice and remove wrinkles from the cheeks swish sesame oil in the mouth and pull the oil through the teeth, then spit out.
· Abhyanga-Oiling the entire body daily will help pacify the vata dosha, calm the nervous system, and keep the skin soft.
· Yoga- Improves circulation strength and endurance, optimizes digestion and elimination. Exercise daily to half your capacity, which is until sweat starts to form on your forehead and underarms.
· Pranayama- After exercising sit quietly and do some deep breathing exercises.
· Meditation-It is important to practice meditation for 15 minutes to bring balance and peace into your life.
· Shower- Removes dirt, sweat, fatigue and negative energy and brings clarity to the mind.
· Wear clean clothes-Brings beauty and virtue.
· Use natural scents- It improves self-esteem and promotes vitality.
· Eat breakfast-. Check your tongue, hunger level and bowel movement, and then eat accordingly to the season and enjoy your day
It may feel a little overwhelming to think of all these things to do in the morning before you start your day. I recommend just starting with a few that resonated with you until they become habit, then try a couple more. I think you will find that daily meditation, pranayama, and yoga help calm the mind and promote more sound sleep. Making you alert throughout the day and well rested at night.
