The wellbeing you’re seeking is in your Dinacharya

Written By Rupal Ray

Dinacharya translates to “daily routine” and is an ayurvedic practice that emphasizes the alignment of our daily activities with the natural rhythm of our body, as well as the environment (seasonally and geographically).

By now, many of us have had our fair share of experiences that remind us of the importance of self-care and mindfulness to just survive in our world. Sometimes it’s in getting back to the basics that we can manage the complexities of our lives. Simple changes that can overtime lead to profound shifts in our experience - leading to greater balance and a stronger connection to self and others.

Like everything else in ayurveda, this too is a practice of alignment. With that in mind, it’s important to experiment with the recommended practices below and find what aligns with you and your needs. Once you do, then commit wholeheartedly and keep yourself accountable.

Mornings: Cleansing the Senses

  1. Wake up 96 - 48 minutes before sunrise (this is when the energy is the lightest and ideal for bringing peace of mind and freshness to the senses)

  2. Before getting up, lie still for 5 minutes to be present with your body and establish a gut-brain connection

  3. Drink room temperature before brushing your teeth to ignite your digestive fire and flush toxins out of your body

  4. Oil pulling for oral health - take sesame or coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 5 - 15 minutes before brushing your teeth, follow this with tongue scraping

  5. Clear your bowels and shower before taking in any food or drink

  6. Step outside and take in the rays of the rising sun or simply look up at the sky to connect to nature

  7. Engage in meditation, yoga, or any other form of exercise

Afternoons: Mindful Intake

  1. Eat your largest meal of the day between 11 am - 3 pm when the sun is the brightest and your digestive fire is the strongest

  2. Stay present and engaged with your food and leave a little room - eat until you’re about 75% full

  3. Have complete meals and avoid snacking throughout the day as this can overtax your digestive system, leading to bloating and indigestion

  4. Don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not hungry - instead you can have CCF tea to stoke your digestive fire

  5. Eat according to your specific constitution/dosha and the season to avoid creating any elemental imbalance

Evenings: Calming the Senses

  1. Eat a light dinner 3-4 hours before bedtime for optimal digestion and sleep quality

  2. Disconnect from electronics at least 1 hour before bedtime to avoid restlessness

  3. Massage the soles of your feet with a calming oil that suits your constitution/dosha

  4. Bedtime should be around 10 pm to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep

Rupal Ray