An intentional morning routine has the power to bring instant positive changes to your life. A traditional Ayurvedic morning routine may require more dedication, time, and effort, and might not be practical for those with busy daily schedules. However, by understanding the true meaning behind each step and the messages this ancient science conveys, we can adopt its core principles and design a realistic routine inspired by Ayurveda.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe practices like Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) in detail, emphasizing the importance of routine for maintaining overall well-being.
When I studied the Ayurvedic morning routine chapter in my textbook, I never thought about its practical application or the benefits it would bring to my life.
When I first heard about the power of a morning routine, I became interested and wanted to give it a try. Then I thought, why not follow the Ayurvedic morning routine? And I believe that was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Realistic Ayurvedic Morning Routine Ideas
- Wake up at Brahma Muhurta: Ayurveda recommends waking up early in the morning, ideally during Brahma Muhurta. Brahma Muhurta means 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise, and it is considered to be a duration of 1 muhurta or 48 minutes. This is a special time of the day when our soul is calm, fresh, and more receptive to learning, self-reflection, and growth.
Many-especially new mothers-won’t be able to wake up this early. So for them, this can be interpreted as waking up a bit earlier than they usually do. Like we say, wake up before your kids so that you get some extra time for yourself. Anyway, the chief idea should be: be a morning person, try to stick to the same time every day, and make sure to have a healthy sleep cycle. - Empty your bladder and bowel: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of emptying the bladder and bowels first thing in the morning. This supports gut health, encourages a natural body rhythm, and helps boost your energy and mood throughout the day. So, try to stick to a consistent time each morning to train your body and make this a natural habit.
- Cleansing: Brush your teeth, scrape your tongue, and splash cold water on your face for an instant boost of energy. While these may seem like ordinary tasks, making them a habit first thing in the morning helps set a positive tone for the day, encourages good habits, and highlights the importance of cleanliness, alertness, and productivity. Tongue scraping, in particular, is emphasized in Ayurveda. Cleaning your tongue and noticing any coatings helps you stay mindful of your health and body.
- Water: Drinking a cup of water first thing on an empty stomach is far better than starting your day with tea or coffee. A sip of warm water refreshes your body, supports hydration, and prepares the digestive system for the day ahead.
- Abhyanga or Oil Massage: An oil massage can be a full-body massage, head massage, or local massage, depending on your preference. Adding it to your morning routine either as a daily ritual or on specific day can offer numerous benefits such as improved mindfulness, skin care, clearer vision, and better sleep. It’s a healthy and relaxing self-care practice to add into your routine.
- Ayurvedic Cleansing Rituals: Ayurveda provides a detailed description of various cleansing rituals, such as oil pulling, gargling with medicated water, and nasya (pouring medicated oil into the nostrils). These practices help cleanse and detoxify the body, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Exercises: Include moderate or appropriate exercises in your morning routine. After your morning rituals, try activities like gentle stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk. Ayurveda details the importance and benefits of exercise as part of daily rituals, or dinacharya. Regular movement helps improve circulation, improve flexibility, and prepare both your body and mind for a productive day.
- Bathing: A calm, relaxing bath is a great way to kick-start your day. Mindful bathing helps relax muscles, refresh the senses, improve circulation, and support mental health. It also helps wash away dullness, leaving you feeling fresh and energized. This can be a simple self-care idea anyone can practice.
- Meditation: Making time to meditate regularly in the morning can greatly improve your well-being. Even with a busy schedule, a short meditation session or a few minutes of deep breathing can be incredibly effective.
- Self-Reflection: Ayurveda emphasizes mental health, mindfulness, and a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being. Find your own emotional outlet such as journaling, art, or any activity that helps with personal growth, self-discovery, and relaxation and make it a part of your routine.
- Dressing Up: The next step in your morning routine is dressing up. Choose a nice and comfortable outfit, comb your hair, and make yourself presentable. While it may seem simple, this is a powerful habit that can help keep you motivated, boost your confidence, and instantly increase your energy and productivity.
- Breakfast: Always include a healthy, balanced breakfast in your morning routine. Ayurveda offers comprehensive guidance on food habits, promoting mindful eating, and cultivating healthy eating practices. So, never compromise on healthy dietary habits or skip breakfast.
Reflections From Mindful Portrait
As someone who struggled at first but now loves this practice, I would say that maintaining an Ayurvedic morning routine doesn’t require perfection; it requires intention. Take the time to understand the essence behind each step and adapt it to fit your lifestyle. You can create a consistent, balanced, mindful, and productive start to your day.
Whether you follow the complete regimen or just a few steps, focus on doing your best, staying consistent, and being comfortable. Begin with what feels manageable, and over time, you’ll develop a stress-free, natural, and enriching daily routine.
