Ayurvedic/yogic Daily Routine (Not Definitive) (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

• Lunch*: Large, fulfilling, nourishing (like thanksgiving dinner)

o Highest digestive fire of day, so use it up with a large balanced meal

o Not too much sweet or liquid, which will put out digestive fire

• REST! Its pitta time (10am-2pm) so after eating rest a little. Not a time to

exercise or use too much energy for activities since body is digesting

• Work/Play

o Vata time (2pm-6pm) so use the mind and BE CREATIVE!

o Projects, assignments could be done here

• Kapha Time (6pm-10pm) a good time to exercise again

• Dinner*

o Eat before sun goes down

o Less protein

o Lighter meal

• Evening

o Fruits and teas are fine here

o Lessen your stimulants, turn off TV, read soothing, not exciting books

o Study scripture

o Relaxing pranayama exercises

o Calming meditation practices

o Talk less

• Sleep! Rest! Deep!

Balance, Awareness and Knowing

It is always up to you to create a routine that combines elements of right diet, exercise,

rest, rejuvenation, and fun. If some parts of your day are too stimulating do you have

time to relax? If you feel dull during the morning are you adding activities that

invigorate? What is left out and what is over abundant and dominant? What part of the

day do you feel most comfortable and what elements are present that create this feeling?

This routine process asks you to be present with your feelings during these moments.

Ayurveda does not ask you to add activities and behaviors that are ultimately

discomforting (although in the beginning, changing any habit can be uncomfortable!) So

you must be able to FEEL what is happening in any given moment to KNOW if what

you’re doing is appropriate and beneficial for you. The above routine is based on the

Ayurvedic times of day, which are formed in 4-hour increments. So if one day you eat

lunch around noon and the next around 1pm you might not feel such a difference. But

how about those days when you eat lunch at 2:30pm? How do you feel the rest of the

afternoon? What changes are present in your body and mind? Think of Ayurveda as the

balancing of your day (the elements of right diet, exercise, and rest) and Yoga as the

Awareness of what is actually happening.

*Side note about Digestion for entire day: drink room-temp glass of water after eating

and practice lying left-side-down after meals to facilitate proper use of oxygen and blood

in digestive system; use appropriate herbs for your type to help stimulate digestion; stay

calm and restive not active and agitated.

Ayurvedic/yogic Daily Routine (Not Definitive) Page 2