Dinacharya: The Daily Ayurvedic Routine

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"Habits are much easier to maintain than commitments" - Seth Godin

In Ayurveda, self care is of paramount importance. Enter the Ayurvedic concept of dinacharya. The Sanskrit word translates as "dina" meaning "day" and "charya" meaning routine or schedule.  This daily routine is meant to create a foundation for excellent physical, mental and emotional health. Maintaining a stable, regular self care routine creates balance and stability. It's important both when we are ill and when we are in good health.

When I studied Ayurveda in India I was presented with a step by step routine that was touted as the ideal. I felt that there was a lot of wisdom there but I am a big proponent of customization. Certain things felt important to me and certain things didn't. Some steps I do only when I am at home but are set aside whilst traveling.

Your routine shouldn't be over rigid or strict. Missing an abyangha once in a while or oversleeping here and there isn't cause for alarm or self flagellation. Think of dinacharya and a guide; a stable pathway that you can always return to.

Consider the seasons with your dinacharya and consider life stages. My routines in the winter tend to differ from those in the summer. Additionally, different life stages and circumstances call for different needs and routines. Consideration, thoughtfulness and consciousness should be life long companions.

A TRADITIONAL DINACHARYA

• Wake up at the same time every morning, preferably before the sun has risen. This is the purest and freshest time of the day.
• Go to the bathroom
• Scrape your tongue and gargle. Plain water is fine. Other options include salt water and oil pulling. It's not advised to do oil pulling when there is a whitish coating on the tongue.
• Wash your face and apply toner/lotion/oil of choice
• Drink 1 glass of warm water: this wakes up the body and facilitates elimination. Evacuation of the bladder and the bowels are very important. When people do not have daily bowel movements it means that waste products are building up in our bodies.
• Brush your teeth
• Light exercises
• Meditation and/or breathing exercises
• Abyangha, self massage
• Apply perfumes

Schedule
6am: Wake up
7-8am: Breakfast
12-1pm: Lunch
6-7pm: Dinner
9:30-10pm: Retire

In my next post I'll share my personal dinacharya as well as a few guidelines I have set up for myself.