New Year's Day may appear to be an irrational date on which to begin counting the new year or, in some cases, a new life, but its seemingly random celebration is rooted in history and occurs shortly after the winter. Even in our modern world of artificial lights, shift work, and alarm clocks, our bodies notice this transition. So, the month of January is a good time to start new rituals and incorporate some health-promoting practices into old ones.
Organizing a daily routine or focusing on the Ayurvedic practice of dinacharya can be useful tools for maintaining health. Traditional Ayurvedic wisdom advises not changing all habits at once, but rather gradually shifting, replacing the old with the new. As a result, you don't have to incorporate every suggested routine component into your day. It may appear overwhelming at times, and you may feel as if life would be perfect if you could just follow an Ayurvedic routine and not work or have other obligations. Choose the practices that work best for you or have the greatest impact on your health and well-being. You don't have to change everything all at once
Our minds identify with our habits and hobbies, even if they are not always beneficial to us. Our habits, like the well-worn clothes in the closet, can become as familiar as our reflection in the mirror. And, just as a regular closet cleaning can refresh our wardrobe, periodic examinations and fine-tuning of our daily patterns can be an effective tool for supporting our own health.
Here are some words of wisdom inspired by Ayurvedic teachings to get you started on what could be your best year yet!
Conduct A Self-Assessment
Winter's cold months and shorter days make it an ideal time for introspection. Take advantage of this time by reflecting on what has and hasn't worked for you over the last year. Revisit any goals and what needs to be done to achieve them, or observe what has been impeding your progress.
Take some time to write everything down so you can look back and see if there are any subtle patterns. Be honest with yourself because knowing who you are is the key to moving forward and being fulfilled. You can progress from there to become a powerful decision-maker.
Have A Gratitude Toward Life
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of intention and thoughts in your mental and physical health. The practice of gratitude is a simple way to put this into action. Regular practice leads to a sense of deeper connection, purpose, and overall positivity. The adage "Where Attention Goes, Energy Flows" is true. You will attract more of what you love as you shift your focus through gratitude.
For the next 21 days, write down or share with someone three things you are grateful for. You can begin by reflecting on what you are grateful for from the previous year. Take it a step further by asking others what they are grateful for and start spreading the good vibes.
Spend Time With Nature
There are many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, one of which is simply spending time in nature. You know this instinctively, but your time spent indoors has caused you to forget this vital relationship. Nature has generously provided you with an abundance of energy and nourishment for both the body and mind. It only takes a few minutes each day. The longer you can play in nature, however, the better.
Outside, take a sensory journey by observing the smells, sights, and sounds. Notice how the trees or flowers look and feel when you touch them. Look up at the night sky and take in its vastness. You don't have to go far to see this; nature is all around you.
Make Healthy Eating Habits
In Ayurveda, having strong digestion is one of the pillars of good health. You want your body to be able to extract and digest the most nutritious aspects of your food. You understand the significance of proper nutrition, but how you eat is equally important.
Here are some beneficial eating habits to incorporate into your lifestyle and share with your family:
- Winter means eating more hot meals.
- Eat slowly and mindfully, savoring every bite.
- Color your plate to help introduce a variety of nutrients.
- When you reach a six, stop eating (on a one-10 scale where 10 is a full stomach).
- Eat in a comfortable setting.
- When you are upset, try to avoid eating.
Harness The Power Of Your Breath
For good reason, the importance of breath is emphasized in yoga, the "Sister Science" of Ayurveda. What is the first thing you do when you are feeling overwhelmed? You take a long, deep breath. Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the benefits of breathing exercises in stress management. It may not be something you normally consider, but try scheduling some time in your day to practice a few breathing exercises. The benefits are immediate, and you can do these exercises whenever and wherever you want.
Meditate
As you begin a new year, the best thing you can do for yourself to help you transition smoothly is to begin or strengthen a meditation practice. Consider what you want to create for yourself in the New Year and what you want to let go of. If you have something written down, go over it before entering stillness to reinforce your intentions.
Get Enough Sleep
For some, this is easier said than done. Both your physical and mental bodies process and rejuvenate during the night, but if you are not sleeping, you are not benefiting from this important time.
Here are some Ayurvedic sleep tips if you're having trouble falling or staying asleep:
- By 10 p.m., try to get in bed.
- Turn off the television and put the gadgets away.
- Consume a light meal by 7 p.m. to allow for digestion before going to bed.
- Take a bath and drink some soothing tea.
- Massage oil into the bottoms of your feet to promote relaxation
Continue With Walking
This is especially difficult during the winter months, but it is still necessary. If you're feeling uninspired, try changing things up and trying something new. Yoga is always a good option; experiment with different styles to see which one you prefer. Consider slowing down and going for more walks. The start of the New Year is about planting seeds for the future that are filled with your goals and intentions; going slowly can help you bring these seeds to fruition in the coming months.
Establish A Daily Routine
With the formation of new habits and the start of the year strong, change is in the air. Creating a daily routine for yourself is the best way to ensure you stick to your goals and intentions. This will aid in overall body functioning and create a clear mind for the day. Here's an example of a daily morning routine:
- Get up with the sun.
- To get the bowels moving, drink some hot lemon water.
- Practice breathing exercises and meditation.
- Exercise
- Shower
- Consume breakfast
- Begin the day fresh!
Take advantage of this ideal time to experiment with and establish new habits. Consider these as ways to improve your life rather than adding another thing to your already-busy schedule. The benefits will be life-altering!
AADAR with the principle of Ayurveda has always followed nature's path and tried to heal the world with most of the natural ingredients available om nature itself. In this Ayurvedic journey, AADAR has always strived to serve people with the best quality products that heal with long-lasting effects and no side effects.
