This morning routine is based on Ayurvedic studies as well as Indian tradition. Since moving to India, I have learned a lot about my lifeforce (pranam), the flow of energies, and nutrition. I can safely say that I had completely transformed from the caterpillar I was when I arrived mere months ago.
This morning routine, I feel, is one of the most beneficial disciplines I’ve ever committed myself to and enjoyed doing at the same time. Truly, I learned about it when I got my Ayurveda diploma. Still, I also incorporated some things I found very important from the Indian, specifically Hindu, customs that I resonate deeply with.
Wake Up
The doshas state it is best to wake up before 6:00 because from 6:00 – 10:00 am, it is the time of Kapha, a high-energy time. However, from 2:00 – 6:00 am is the time of Vata, a creative time. This is why if you wake up after 2, it is hard to go back to sleep. At this point, I don’t have a set time to wake up. But whenever I wake up, if I notice it is between 2:00 and 6:00 am, I just get out of bed and start my day.
Elimination
The first thing you do in the morning should be to eliminate all the waste from your body. Relieving yourself and releasing your bowels is essential to a healthy ayurvedic-based morning.
Oil Pulling
This is an integral part of my morning routine. It is an ancient ayurvedic practice that carries many health benefits. As a part of oil pulling, you must swish plant-based oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. During that time, I love to give myself some extra love and attention through these practices.
Read more about oil pulling here.
Awaken Senses
Splashing water on my eyes and face helps me wake up in the morning and gives my body a refreshed feeling.
When I do this, I pay special attention to my senses. I feel the water rushing on my hands and face, noticing its temperature and wetness. I listen to it pour from the faucet and also note the sound of the oil swishing in my mouth.
*Please note* it is also recommended to do a nasal passage cleanse in the morning via neti pot. However, I don’t do this due to a few reasons.
- Not having a neti pot.
- If I try this while oil pulling, I’ll probably choke.
- There are other ways I can awaken my nose that I do.
I also do a quick water wash on my ears before applying some essential oil behind them. I notice the smell of the oils and try to use things that awaken my senses. Right now, I am on a huge peppermint kick.
Dry Brush
This is an ayurvedic practice that works wonders for your skin. Brushing your skin while dry with bristles will exfoliate it, boost circulation, give your skin more elasticity, and evenly distribute fat, reducing cellulite.
Oil Massage
Ayurveda highly recommends massages. A 10–20-minute self-massage every day gives my body so much love. You can use any plant-based oil you have at home. Sesame oil is one of the best, but it retains a lot of heat. So I opt for a mixture of coconut and olive paired with essential oil for added skin benefits like lavender, rosemary, and/or clary sage.
When I am done with the massage, it is time for me to spit out the oil in my mouth.
Teeth Brushing
Next, I brush my teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste. Currently, I use the Patanjali Dant Kanti toothpaste because I trust the brand.
Tongue Scraping
This ayurvedic method gets any bacteria that has stayed on your tongue off. As a result, it helps your mouth stay fresh and healthy.
Mouthwash & Rinse
There are many ayurvedic mouthwash recipes, but some require warm water, and I think warming it is too much to do when I’m hanging out in the bathroom. So, this one seemed the easiest for my daily routine. I like to add some peppermint essential oil because it makes me feel fresh.
After I spit it out, I do a quick rinse with water to get the minty, salty taste from my mouth.
Sweep
This may seem like a step to skip, especially if you’re from the US, but it is crucial for positive energy flow. Doing it every day is something I started doing when I moved to India. Many times, so much dust has settled it is necessary.
However, it is also very beneficial in the US, especially to welcome new energy to the day. To do this correctly, sweep all dust away from the front door and get all rooms of the house (if possible). When I do it, I like to say a little chant I made up:
This ensures all the negative energies leave as you get rid of the accumulated dust and dander.
Aerobic Exercise
Now, when I say aerobic exercise, I don’t fully go intense every day. Some days I do a light aerobics workout due to the timing of my menstrual cycle. Please refer to the chart below.
Rehydrate with Electrolytes
After working out, I love to drink a glass of cucumber water. I prep it the night before, so I have it when I want it in the morning. Cucumber water is filled with lots of electrolytes and is healthier and more cost-efficient than sugary sports drinks.
Shower
Taking the time to refresh my mind and body with a shower rejuvenates my senses. Besides, it makes me feel like I am too washing away all yesterday’s troubles and inviting new energy in.
Ayurveda states that you must wear clean clothes every day, so no reusing things that have been worn once. This ensures you have a fresh day ahead.
Puja
The term puja simply means worship. In Indian traditions, you can offer things to the Gods after you shower. If timed right, I am doing this as the Sun starts rising, but sometimes I am a little late depending on how long I take in the shower.
I’ll replace water for them, play some music, light incense, ring their bell, and say their mantras.
Sun Salutations
Next, I go outside and welcome the Sun with some salutations. These yoga moves are a simple full-body light workout designed to strengthen your spiritual body. I’ll do 3-5 rounds of this asana.
Pranayama
After the asanas, I sit on my mat to practice some breathwork. This technique is critical to me because I grew up with a weak raspatory system but doing pranayama daily can help counteract that and improve my breathing.
Meditation
It is best to meditate at dawn (and dusk) because your mind is very focused and alert at this time. In the morning, meditate, facing east with the rising Sun for best results. Ayurveda recommends meditating for 20 minutes if possible. Still, if you’re running short on time, you can simply invite the energy you want in. Anything is better than nothing.
Breakfast
When I get hungry, I eat. However, I’ll have a glass of cucumber water first because it curbs the appetite and ensures I don’t eat more than I need to. My breakfast consists of foods recommended for my body type, and I’ll try to get all 6 of the food tastes in if possible.
Click here for a food dos and don’ts list based on your dosha from the Ayurveda Institute.
Freestyle
This is where my morning routine ends. Of course, if I have work to do, I’ll do that, but I don’t like to plan for that. This is because when I do my routine, as mentioned, I have the freedom to go with my flow and follow my intuition wherever it may take me. You never know when inspiration will strike.
This morning routine may seem like a lot to some, and honestly, if I had told my younger self this is what I do, I probably wouldn’t believe it. However, when I learned about the ayurvedic methods and reasoning behind each thing, it made so much sense I legitimately got excited to do it.
Before, I would dread waking up on time and going to the gym. But now, I give myself love for the first few hours I am awake, and that love radiates through the rest of my day. It boosts my mood and allows me to truly live my best life to the best of my ability.
Ayurveda is the science of life
shubhra krishan
