When did you last practice self-care? How often do you take time to relax or meditate?
The modern lifestyle comes with responsibilities and high expectations that motivate us but often leave us feeling overwhelmed and off-balance.
We live in a day and age where we are persistently worn out and in dire need of holistic restoration, cue in Ayurveda.
Literally rendered as the ‘science of life,’ Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic healing practices, with its origins rooted in ancient India.
At every touchpoint, Ayurveda is a holistic philosophy based on the belief that the mind, body, and soul are intertwined, existing in a delicate balance.
There are three energies or ‘ Doshas’ – Pitta, Vata, and Kapha within its system. When the three energies are in balance, we feel heartened and healthy.
However, where there is an imbalance, we feel enervated. Being mindful of your Dosha also helps you understand who you are and how to create balance in your life.
With that, here are some Ayurveda-inspired practices to incorporate into your wellness routine if you want to try something a little different.
Rise and Shine
For centuries, Ayurveda has trumpeted the benefits of early to bed and early to rise – it allows you to be in sync with nature’s rhythms. That means that as the sun sets, you should prepare to retire to bed and vice versa.
The practice is associated with the belief that at sunrise, the predominant energy is Vata – when all is tranquil, quiet, and clear – offering the ideal atmosphere to do a 10-minute stretch or meditate.
While it might be challenging for some to rise early, waking up as close to 6 AM is ideal since you’re likely to experience heightened energy.
One Word: Yoga
At first glance, yoga might seem like a practice for the ‘flexible.’ However, the beauty about this wellness practice is that you don’t have to be an experienced yogi to revel in its glory. Studies have found that yoga practice enhances endurance, perfects your posture, and makes you happier.
Incorporating detoxifying twists into your yoga practice also helps wring out congestion from your waist to chest, eliminating feelings of sluggishness.
So, don’t be discouraged by the yoga phraseology and out-of-this-world poses. Yoga is for everyone!
Perform Self-Abhyanga
This Ayurvedic habit translates to a warm oil body massage that hydrates your skin, calms your body and mind, tones your muscles, and relaxes your nerves.
Similar to applying body lotion, Abhyanga involves massaging oil on your body for 10 to 15 minutes with medicated oil – even better if it’s Dosha-specific.
The practice allows you to give your body some love, stability, and warmth. (Holler to the people whose love language is physical touch.)
The Ayurvedic Diet
Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving, and identity – Jonathan Safrari Foer.
Ayurveda celebrates food by promoting satisfaction through diversity. An Ayurvedic diet encourages you to explore your Dosha by enjoying a balanced and nourishing meal that offers a broad spectrum of nutrients.
As you have your lunch or dinner, eat quietly, mindfully, and always be grateful for your meal. Eating in a rush or while scrolling through social media keeps your body in flight or fight mode, stressing your gut.
Ayurveda also advocates for lunch as the most important meal. The body’s digestive system is resilient between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Wrap it Up With Calm Cogitation
Ayurveda practices encourage self-care and self-reflection. So take time every day to relish in nature’s glory, breathe, be still, and present.
As you wrap up your day, take mental stock of the small wins – figure out what felt incredible and fitting over the course of the day.
Did the chamomile tea subdue your anxiety as you had hoped? Was the five-minute chat with your mentor the inspiration you needed?
Relax, this isn’t a test. It’s simply an introspection of what you did and didn’t like as you unwind for the night.
Ayurveda celebrates self-love. Self-care is essential, and, in this case, your objective shouldn’t be to make drastic lifestyle changes. Incorporate the Ayurvedic rituals into your Dincharya and take it a day at a time.
In any case, who wants to be overwhelmed and fatigued? Certainly not you!
