Oh, It’s New Year.
It’s time to establish positive habits. Let’s kick start this New year by cultivating healthy habits as a foundation for a successful year ahead. How about kickstarting the year with positivity and purpose? Habits are not just happening with a sunrise. The key to start is to be minor, grounded and focused. We can start with a daily routine. Dinacharya – Ayurveda’s way of daily exercise is explained, which encourages us to align our daily routine with the natural rhythm of the day by synchronizing our internal clock with nature.
Wake up early is a common saying, but Ayurveda says explicitly to wake up in the Brahma muhurta- 1 hour 36 minutes before sunrise. The Brahma word itself means knowledge. This is the time to learn and meditate. It helps to maintain health by properly functioning all organs, hormone secretions, and bowel movements.
Start the day with a small listen to your body, appreciate every step forward, and honour your body because they deserve it. Thinking of ourselves is the first and best thing to win the morning and win the day.
Oral hygiene includes dantha davana, Jihwa Nirlekhana and Gandoosha. Cleaning of teeth and tongue ensures oral health and aids digestion. Gandoosha is oil-pulling; it detoxifies the mouth and strengthens gums and dental health.
Eye care is as essential as washing eyes with cool water and applying an anjana.
Abhyanga: Massage the entire body from head to toe with lukewarm oil. Oil massage nourishes the skin, improves blood circulation and calms the mind. Abhyanga is not suitable for indigestion, one who undergoes any treatment procedures and suffers from Kapha disorders. For those who cannot do a whole body abhyanga daily, at least the head, ears, and feet should be massaged daily. Vyayama is advised after. Physical activities should be according to one’s strength. It strengthens our muscles and joints. Thus, this energy-boosting activity promotes our vitality. The following routine is bathing. Bathing in Lukewarm water is advised for the body, and regular water is recommended for the head. Cleansing the body refreshes the mind and prepares you for the whole day.
Along with these, snana is a digestion booster that promotes strength and your body’s glow. Bathing is not suitable for soon-after food, indigestion and stomach disorders. Contraindications apply in this case, and alternative options should be considered for hygiene and cleanliness. Hand, Foot, and face washing, like midday hygiene, is advised before meals for cleanliness and stimulating energy points.
Full body oil massage
Exercise
Bath with Lukewarm water
Meditation, mindfulness practice, and prayer are the optimal choices soon after a bath. It enhances mental wellbeing and reduces stress.
Now it’s Time for Food.
I firmly believe what you eat becomes you. It is always recommended to eat healthy. Choose fresh, seasonal food that strengthens digestion, immunity, and overall health. Herbal supplements are also essential. It supports digestion, detoxification and immunity. Triphala is the best example, and there are more. You can find your choice with the help of an expert.
A gentle walk after meals is recommended. Post meal walk aids digestion, prevents lethargy, regulates blood sugar levels and supports natural energy levels. Day sleep is not recommended due to potential adverse effects.
Evening relaxation is mandatory. During the sandhya lite, activities or prayers are advised. This aims for the body to transition to rest and calm mode. As Dinacharya, Ratricharya also explained. Early dinner with easily digestible food options is considered the most suitable healthy habit for the night. Moving on to brushing teeth and washing feet. A foot massage is coming up. Massaging feet before sleeping improves relaxation and promotes more profound rest. The subsequent step is to avoid gadgets and say no to screen time at least half an hour before bed. Calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
Quality sleep rejuvenates the mind, repairs the body and ensures holistic wellbeing. We undergo essential restorative processes while we sleep, ensuring we wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to face the day.
How much sleep we need is the key to deciding your bedtime.
- Adults (18-64 years):
7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Older Adults (65+ years):
7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Teens (14-17 years):
8-10 hours of sleep per night.
- Children (6-13 years):
9-11 hours of sleep per night.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years):
10-13 hours of sleep per night.
- Toddlers (1-2 years):
11-14 hours of sleep per night.
Why Routine Matters:
ancient wisdom also says balanced daily regimens are the path to a vibrant life. So that you can perform your duties and responsibilities with focus and balance, enhancing self-discipline and life satisfaction, your morning routine is individual, but planning your routine with these healthy habits enhances physical and mental wellbeing. This combination is the keyword for success.
Embracing the routine which ensures mental and emotional health and happiness. A sense of wholeness and fulfilment, a state of balance and harmony. Promise you will feel the difference.