A daily routine can be an essential part of life. Having the discipline to start your day with intention can take a shift in mindset and priorities. The benefits, however, of creating a small repetition of habits or rituals can be rewarding for your body, wellbeing and the health of your mind.
Much of the wellness advice we read and participate in modern times, has been guided by ancient Ayurvedic medicine, believed to be over 5000 years old. This health practice is the undercurrent for India’s traditional natural system of medicine for millenniums and is derived from two words, Ayur meaning life, and Veda meaning science.
We often fall into the trap of only considering a health or wellness routine to alleviate pain or injury; however, the practise of Ayurvedic medicine is preventative and challenges you to look at your health and wellbeing holistically to understand the link of nutrition, habits and lifestyle.
These five easy steps will inspire your morning routine and kick start your day while reminding you to take pleasure in the moments that can so easily be missed in the morning rush:
The still of the morning can be the most sacred part of the day. Rising each morning allows you to see a fresh new day in all it’s glory while the sun rises silently and the masses sleep. Ayurvedic texts suggest rising before 6 am at the time Kapha starts. Awaking with sun also allows you time to prioritise yourself before the rush of the day sets in motion. Set your alarm and or leave the blinds open to wake naturally with the sun.
Meditating can be a profoundly personal experience. Finding time alone can be tricky while balancing family and commitments. When you rise early, you’re making time for yourself during the most tranquil part of the day. Find a space where you feel at ease and allow yourself to explore what meditation means for you. Some like to be still in a silent prayer, and others may seek time to breathe in nature while setting intentions for the day ahead, with a simple Ayurvedic breathing practice. Explore meditation, and you will soon feel the positive shift in your day.
Bring your mind into a state of awareness while gently moving your body to begin the day. Yoga, like Ayurveda, has a rich and ancient history and both reflect the philosophy of a union between the body, mind and soul. A daily Asana practice can harness your awareness and intuition to understand your body and its function on a deeper level. For a morning, guided yoga, try an online class.
Bathing is a ritual, celebrated for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition. Each day we have the opportunity to cleanse ourselves and see life from a new perspective. Instead of a daily routine, use this time to indulge in self-care and reap the many benefits of bathing. As well as cleansing your skin, bathing enhances energy and mental clarity while easing tension in your muscles and calming a stressed mind. Explore how you can create a sacred ritual while bathing, using natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish your skin while retaining moisture. To finish off your bathing experience, spritz Rose Water over your towel-dried body.
Abhyanga or self-massage is a powerful way to calm your nervous system and bring peace to your mind. A daily massage purifies and increases circulation of your body by clearing toxins and benefiting digestion. Warm herbal oils between your hands and massage your skin in circular motions beginning with your face and moving towards your feet, finishing with a strong message to the soles of your feet.
Changing how you view something as simple as bathing can transform the way your day begins and ends and understanding why you partake in rituals can make all of the in-between moments in life truly rich and fulfilling.
