Ayurveda is the India’s gift to the world and one that’s here to stay. An Ayurvedic way of living is very conducive to the overall well-being of an individual as it’s based on natural body rhythms. The habits and diet practices in Ayurveda don’t yield instantaneous results because it works slowly and thoroughly with the body and mind to yield lasting results.
Nowadays, poor lifestyle choices, high-stress, and sedentary lifestyles have led to the rise of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and hypertension. In times like these, we all need to practice at least the following habits to thrive in good health.1
1. Have An Early And Light Dinner
Like the age old saying goes, ‘have breakfast like a king and dinner like a beggar’, ensure that your dinner is the lightest meal of the day. Restrict it to small portions and have more salads also avoid binge-eating. Make sure that you finish dinner by 8 pm daily. The best way to prevent overeating during dinner time is by having a balanced lunch.
2. Hit The Sack Early
Staying up late is one way you mess with your circadian rhythm. Being constantly connected to each other via phones and social media often keep us up after bedtime. Before you hit the bed, unplug from all the distractions and relax your body and mind. Switching off the lights will also help in melatonin release that leads to sleepiness. When you retire early, you are more likely to wake up early as you will be well-rested.
3. Have A Morning Ritual
As soon as you wake up, say thanks for being alive and smile at yourself in the mirror. Now spend some time stretching your tense muscles and practicing pranayama. If you are a lover of yoga, then doing a few asanas is a great way to kickstart your day. Spend time in contemplation or reading a book or listening to music that’s rejuvenating. Waking up before dawn, during the brahma muhurtam (4am-6am) is the best time to wake up.
4. Train Your Body Right
Make sure that your body wastes are all unloaded before breakfast and you take refreshing warm water bath too. A healthy digestive system plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall well-being. Train your body to pass stools and urine daily and effortlessly and preferably before you start your day.
5. Eat Healthy Regularly
Include a lot of fresh greens, fruits and vegetables along with lean protein to amp the nutritional value of your diet. Stay away from fatty and refined foods and add more whole grains to your diet. Including spices in your diet can also help you boost your immunity as well.
6. Give Yourself A Massage
Massaging with nourishing oils coconut, sesame or olive oil before you take a bath can be the best way to wake up your body. From lymph drainage to anti-ageing, a self-massage is truly beneficial for your body. This is also a time to sit and observe your body for any sore areas or bruises that require special attention. A daily massage makes you feel calmer and gives a radiant glow to your skin.
7. Dwell In Silence Everyday
Thanks to honking cars, vibrating phones and chattering people, we are almost always surrounded by noise. One of the best things about waking up during the wee morning hours is that you can totally soak in the silence of the moment. If you aren’t an early bird then it’s alright as long as you find time to sit quietly minus any distractions every day. Gradually you’ll see that you’ve internalized silence and you begin to crave some time in solitude to rejuvenate yourself daily. This will slowly help you tame your mind’s chatter and therefore dwell in meditation at your will.
8. Make Informed Choices
Stay away from packaged and processed foods. Don’t eat a heavy meal before the previous one is digested. Avoid stale, salty and sugary foods. Buy organic produce and stop using products that involve exploitation of animals. Every time you eat a meal, express gratitude.
9. Take Care Of Your Senses
Your senses are ceaselessly being bombarded by sensory experiences, therefore, it’s crucial to keep them refreshed daily. If you are at a desk job with computers, take a break from the screen for your eyes. While massaging, don’t ignore your ears and nostrils. While brushing remember to scrape your tongue as that itself is a breeding ground for microbes.
10. Don’t Succumb To Stress
Stress has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, positive stresses can encourage your to progress but negative stresses can wear you down emotionally, mentally and physically. If you feel that your workspace or relationships are draining your energy with unreasonable demands, remember to say no before it’s too late. Quit overthinking and experience living in the moment. Take a break if your need to destress and reboot your body instead of pushing it to burnout point.
These wonderful habits many seem very difficult to execute all at once. The most important thing to remember that this is a major lifestyle change and will require patience. Even the tiniest steps towards ayurvedic living will bring a sea of positive change in your mind, body, and self.2
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