It can feel overwhelming to begin learning Ayurvedic practices and routines. You may ask yourself questions such as "How can I do an Ayurvedic morning routine if I have to go to work early/take my kids to school/exercise?" "How can I make time to meditate if I'm so tired in the morning or after work?"
The most important thing when first bringing Ayurveda into your life is to take one step at a time. It takes from 14 to 21 days of consistency for a new practice to become a habit. Go slowly and introduce the new practices and habits into your life one-by-one.
Practice Meditation
Meditation is one of the most important practices in Ayurveda, Yoga and many other beliefs and religions even. It’s one of the most important practices for overall health, balance and life fulfillment. It integrates your mind-body and soul, which according to Ayurveda, is the real definition of health. In more direct terms, it helps you relax on a deep level, which science has shown is one of the best things for long-term health.
Start waking up 30 minutes earlier! It can be difficult at first but over time, it will become easier to get up and the benefits from meditation become so compelling you may start to look forward to early mornings. Schedule your meditation into your day, write it on your to-do list and make it a priority.
Awareness of Emotions
As a result of meditation, you will probably become more aware of emotions and your reactions to stress. If you feel a negative emotion, like anxiety, practice gently asking yourself “why am I feeling anxious? What need do I have that is not being fulfilled? ” Every negative emotion is the result of an unmet need so start by recognizing where these emotions come from and asking yourself those important questions if you are not clear.
Understand the Doshas
There are three main Doshas: Vata, Kapha and Pitta. We all have all three of them inside us to varying degrees, which affect what makes us balanced in terms of food and herbs. By adapting your habits to your Dosha type, you gain vitality and wellbeing.
Start getting to know your Dosha with food. This is a good time to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner and the many Ayurvedic cookbooks that are out there that can help you emphasize the right flavors.
Listen to your body and adjust the spices of your food depending on how you feel, if you're imbalanced, or if your predominant Dosha is feeling balanced. At first this may seem difficult, but once you understand how what you consume influences your mind and body, it becomes fun!
Get Quality Sleep
Getting high-quality sleep is as important as meditation. Going to sleep by 10 pm, eating a light dinner, using calming aromatherapy scents like lavender and turning off the TV at least two hours before bed are all essential aspects of getting quality sleep according to Ayurveda. With simple changes like these, you will begin to wake up feeling rested, so you can then meditate easier in the morning.
Do A Daily Self-Massage
Massaging your body regularly with classically formulated herbal oils, like Maha Narayana Oil, will soften and nourish the skin, soothe tight muscles and joints, improve circulation, digestion, sleep, mood, concentration and energy, reduce stress and build immunity! Before you shower, warm the oil on the stove and gently massage your body, using long strokes on the long bone and circular strokes on the joints. This is one of the best ways to give yourself a daily dose of self-love.
Getting Started
An Ayurvedic lifestyle is really a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness and awareness that results in an improvement in your overall well-being and stronger spiritual growth.
If you feel overwhelmed by so many new concepts and practices, remember to take one step at a time. You don’t need to follow a particular order, find what works best for you and integrate them into your life one-by-one at your own pace!
Disclaimer
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health.