Dinacharya: Essential Daily Routine Tips for Optimal Wellness

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, started his daily routine with a question, “What good shall I do today?” It ended with another question, “What good have I done today?” He was a renowned polymath, a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He accomplished so much in his life by following a daily routine. He is the author of the inspirational quote, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Quite like him, great achievers and leaders believed in the power of committing to one’s daily routine. 

Following a daily routine, called Dinacharya in Sanskrit, keeps the body and mind in perfect condition. Ayurveda highly recommends that Dinacharya tunes up the body and regulates the natural rhythm. This gives me enough and more energy to get so many things done every single day. According to Ayurveda, both body and mind go through two cycles of change dominated by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The first cycle from 6 A.M. to 10 A.M. is dominated by Kapha, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. is dominated by Pitta, and from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. is dominated by Vata. The second cycle from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. is dominated by Kapha, from 10 P.M. to 2 A.M. is dominated by Pitta, and from 2 A.M. to 6 A.M. is dominated by Vata. 

Therefore, here are the fundamental things you must follow in order to get the best out of your life. If your body and mind are not in tune, even if the whole world were to support you, nothing worth will ever get accomplished. 

Here are 10 must-do things that will give your life the much-needed vitality and vigor. 

Rise-up early

Give your day an amazing start. The quietude of the early hours does wonders. Whisper a short prayer of thanksgiving and have a positive attitude. Dalai Lama once said, “Every day, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, and to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, and I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

Drink warm water

Drink a big glass of warm water with a shot of fresh lemon juice and a spoonful of raw honey. It regulates bowel movement and flushes out toxins. A good bowel movement sets the right pace for the day’s work. It is highly recommended that a squatting position helps in complete emptying and gives much relief and satisfaction. 

Freshen your senses

Splash your face and eyes with cool water and rinse your mouth with cold water. Massage your eyelids gently by rubbing them. Put 3 to 5 drops of warm ghee or sesame oil inside each nostril to lubricate the nose. It also cleans the sinuses and improves voice, vision, and mental clarity. It is said that the nose is the door to the brain; nose drops nourish prana and enhance intelligence.

Oral Hygiene

Gargle once a day with sesame oil. Take a small quantity of oil, swish it around inside the mouth and spit it out, complete the process by gently rubbing the gums. This helps to strengthen the gums and jaw, improve the voice and remove wrinkles on the cheeks. Do not use a hard brush to clean your teeth. An Ayurvedic toothpaste or powder is better as it strengthens gums, effectively kills bacteria, and stimulates blood flow to the gums. After brushing, gently scrap your tongue. It not only removes bacteria from the mouth but stimulates digestion.

Head and Body Massage

An oil massage is the most effective way to detoxify your body and nourish the tissues. The whole body oil massage beginning with the head and ending with the toes improves blood circulation, calms the nervous system, increases vitality, prevents dehydration, strengthens vision, and restores perfect balance in body and mind. 

Bathe in freshwater

Bathing every day is a must as it removes sweat, dirt, and fatigue. It brings energy to the body and clarity to the mind. It is recommended to use a gentle soap, without chemicals.

Believe in exercise

Exercise daily until sweat forms on the forehead, armpits, and spine. Brisk walking is highly recommended. Yoga is an ideal form of exercise because it improves blood circulation, strength, and endurance. It helps one relax and have sound sleep and improves digestion and elimination. 

Smell good. Feel good

Essential oils go well beyond an aromatic smell. They actually help you relax or sleep or improve your skin or digestion. They have a great healing effect mentally, physically, and emotionally. According to Ayurveda, for Pitta imbalance, lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and rose-based calming and cooling oils can be used. For Kapha imbalance, cinnamon, orange, grapefruit, ginger, cedar, and sage are used for warming and stimulating effects.  

Meditate

Meditate at sunrise and sunset for at least 20 minutes. Sit comfortably on the floor, facing East or West, in a crossed-legged position, or upright on the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Simply bring your attention to the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils. Keep your awareness of the duration of each breath, and when the mind wanders from the breath, just notice that and bring your attention back to the sensations of the breath. This is known as conscious breathing. It is a basic yet profound concentration practice. Meditation relieves stress, gives clarity of mind, offers better health & well-being, and brings balance and peace into your life!

Eat right

Whenever you eat, eat with mindfulness and gratitude. Eat light meals during summer or if your digestive system is low. Eat good and substantial meals during winter. Choose foods that will nourish and rejuvenate your body and chew the food well to stimulate digestive juices.