Ease During Lockdown & Social Distancing
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:14 April 2020
As we globally navigate the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in, we are having the opportunity to be with or to connect with our circles of family and close ones. Being aware of our vulnerability and the need to isolate within our bubbles and practice social distancing brings home the vulnerability we all share. In thinking about our needs and how we could be most helpful to you at this time, what came was to share with you the simple, yet powerful steps of the ideal daily routine.
Now the external routine of work and activity outside of the house has changed for many, so has our familiar daily routine. This has left a vacuum. In this vacuum there is an opportunity to become more aware of the cycles of nature and how these can be used to guide our activities during the day.
You may have heard of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These organising principles of nature guide all rhythms of nature both within and in the outside world.
For over 3000 years Ayurveda has known about the importance of timing and has outlined ideal times to sleep, wake, exercise, meditate, focus on one’s goals or pray, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, work, play and de-stress for optimal balance.
Recent research has shown that the body has a ‘master clock’ and every organ has its own ‘clock cells’ that synchronize your bodily rhythms. Ayurveda takes his understanding one step further by suggesting that there is a best time of the day to do certain activities. The ‘best times’ are guided by the dosha that is most active at a particular time of the day. This has been integrated into the practice of Dinachyara – the ideal daily routine.
Below you will see how the doshas influence the times of the day and the recommended activities to favour at these times.
How does this express into the steps of a daily routine?
Ayurveda provides a step by step guide as to what to do during the day. When one begins the day with this routine, the day flows easily and minimisa stress-free day by helping to keep your doshas in balance.
To Bed by 10:00 PM. The Day Starts the Evening Before!
Morning
- Arise before 6 AM
- Evacuate bowels and bladder
- Wash your face, giving special attention to the eyes
- Clean teeth, scrape or clean the tongue
- Drink of lemon and honey with lukewarm water and pinches of turmeric and ginger powder
- Optional time to walk or exercise: Best time of the day for Kapha types to exercise.
- Self-Massage
- Bath or shower
- Sun salutations and/or asanas and pranayama
- Meditation: Prior meditation take 1-2 tablets of MA151 - Nervous system Support
- Wear clean, comfortable, natural fabric clothing
- Light breakfast followed by morning work or study
- Morning walk or study
- Some prefer to exercise around 10 AM. Good time for Vata types to exercise.
Afternoon
- Warm cooked lunch with all six tastes between 12 - 1 PM
- Eat a variety of seasonal foods
- Rest for 10 minutes after eating followed by a brief walk (10-20 minutes)
- Afternoon work or study
- 4-6pm: Pitta types often like to exercise at this time. It helps to transition from daily focus to family or after work activity.
Late afternoon
- After work: Sun salutations and/or asanas and Pranayama
- After work: Meditation - Prior meditation or the evening: take 1-2 tablets of MA151 - Nervous system Support
Evening Routine
- Light evening meal between 6-7 PM.
- Relaxed evening activities - Time to connect and for gentle focus
- 9 PM winddown routine
- 10 PM Bedtime - take 1-2 tablets of Digest Tone
Self Reflection
How much of this routine fits with your daily experience? What could you refine in your daily routine to move a step further towards this ideal?
Tips:
1. If wondering where to start, start with your morning routine. Starting the day with this gentle routine helps de-stress the day and supports strength and resilience.
2. Next consider making lunch your main meal of the day eating the largest amount at this time. Also consider eating heavier foods like cheese, egg, fried foods or meat, fish or seafood in the lunch meal.
Wishing you the bliss of balance, this day and always.
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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