March is here and maybe your new year intention of a more consistent morning routine is lacking some inspiration or regularity. Spring time is not just for cleaning your home but also cleansing and refreshing other parts of your life, whether that be your routine, your diet or your self-care practices.
Our daily routines, or dinacharya, are important for us to feel healthy and well in mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is not only a science but also a system of healthy living. According to Ayurveda, there is no magic powder in your smoothie or other shortcut for healthy living. An Ayurvedic daily routine recommends good hygiene, moderate exercise depending on your individual needs and the season, a healthy diet, efficient digestion and elimination as well as a positive mental outlook.
Morning Routine Refresh Ideas
1. Tongue Scrape: this ancient practice removes toxins from the mouth and body. It is a also a good indicator on how well we digested yesterday's food. You can find tongue scrapers in local health food markets in your area or online. Follow with oil-pulling and brushing your teeth.
2. Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage): This can be morning or evening depending on your schedule. Performing a daily self oil massage is hydrating to the skin and calms down our Vata dosha; it is grounding, soothing and nourishing to mind and body. Follow your oil massage with a warm shower or bath.
3. Drink a glass of water: This first glass of water should be after your mouth and teeth are cleaned; ideally warm but at least room temperature. This is flush toxins in the digestive system and begin to rekindle our digestive fire after a night's rest.
4. Exercise: Morning truly is the best time to exercise. Regularly exercising in the morning strengthens not only the body but also the mind. It helps us focus for the day ahead and clears toxins. Make sure to leave a bit of time for stretching at the end! We love using Ritual Spritz before our workout and Release roller blend after.
5. Meditation and Pranayama: Breathwork and meditation have so many proven benefits. Studies show it is better for the brain to meditation everyday for 5 minutes versus 30 minutes one day a week. Start with just a couple minutes and work up from there. There are apps that can even help you such as Calm, Headspace and Insight Timer!
6. Wake up with the Sun: Easier said than done but I promise, waking up early is going to give you much more energy than if you snooze or sleep in late. Pro tip: keep your Awaken Spritz by your bedside for a morning boost. Of course, waking up early requires going to bed at a decent time and working on our evening calming rituals. Sleep should always be a priority each and every day!
A traditional Ayurvedic morning routine can seem daunting or a bit lengthy to some. Try adding 1 or 2 things you feel most excited or inspired by into your routine and see how that goes for a week or so. The practice of Ayurveda does not have to be all or nothing. Remember, your morning routine should not cause more distress or tension in your life or your day; it should make your day feel more intentional, more grounded and more focused.
