Creating a morning routine is a very important aspect in Ayurveda to help the body maintain balance and manage stress. Clearly, our daily activities have a profound impact on our general health, and Ayurveda addresses this by stating guidelines for creating a daily routine that is actually considered a form of preventative medicine.
Depending on your dosha (vata, pitta or kapha) there will be variances in your routine, but for the most part the routine is intended to keep all doshas in a state of health, equilibrium and balance. It is a great way to have a stabilized behavior pattern so that we don’t get too overwhelmed and stressed through the day.
Create Your Routine
First, make a list of all the things you like or need to do in your day. Place all the activities in a specific order that will give you a sense of predictability and release you from having to figure out what’s coming next. Within your routine, your body will learn to relax as you complete the same tasks and activities at the same time each day.
Keep in mind the different stages of the day. Between the hours of 2 and 6 am is what we call the Vata time when everything is free-floating and all over the place. In the early morning, between 6 and 10 am, we have the cool, heavy energy of Kapha that can make us feel sluggish if we stay in bed. At midday, when the sun is at its peak, Pitta, the fire dosha, is dominant.
With this information, you can arrange your routine so you make the most of what you do on a daily basis. You’ll know at which times of day you feel sluggish, so you can plan to do activities that will remove some sluggishness.
Healthy Morning Routine
Here is an example of a healthy morning routine.
Generally, it’s best to arise with the sun or just before the sun, between the hours of 6 and 7 am. Just before sunrise is a good time to drink a nice warm glass of water with a drop of lemon essential oil to get your digestive fire going and get your metabolism on track. This is also the best time to empty your bowels.
Next, brush your teeth. Then you want to take care of your face and eyes. Gently wash your face, paying special attention to removing any sleep or cruddy stuff around your eyes. This is also a good time to blow your nose if you have mucus that has built up. Take a warm towel and place it on your face to allow the warmth to be absorbed.
Gargle with warm water that has a drop of lemon or peppermint essential oil to loosen up your vocal chords.
After this, give yourself a body massage with organic oil such as coconut, sesame or sunflower oil. It’s a good idea to massage before you step in the shower because it will help increase your circulation, help remove any toxic materials that have been sitting in your muscles over night, and help moisturize your skin. Be very careful not to get any oil on the bottom of your feet so you don’t slip in the shower!
Finally, if you have time after you’ve gotten your shower, do a little yoga or yoga asana postures to help balance your system.
Get dressed, have something to eat, and if you didn’t do your meditation or prayer before all of this, it’s a good time to do that. Now you’re ready to get started with your day.
This routine will set a precedent of calmness and tranquility as you go about your day. You will be able to handle any stressful situation that arises much more easily. What does your morning routine look like? Leave a comment below to join the conversation.
Wishing you much health and wellness!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
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