WORKING TOWARD A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

WORKING TOWARD A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

If healthy living is new to you, then start here, using this three-step guide to work toward a full Ayurvedic lifestyle. Remember, regularity and moderation are key, and it is best to introduce changes slowly so that they last.

The start of your day

Try to get up 30 minutes earlier than usual. Then add one or two of the hygiene practices below to your morning routine.

• Massage the top of your head and then your feet with oil, and then shower.
• Clear your nasal passage and then clean your tongue.
• Have a glass of hot water before breakfast.

Food and mealtimes

Mealtimes are one of the most important aspects of an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Choose one of the suggestions below.

BREAKFAST

• Try eating a simple breakfast (especially if you aren’t in the habit of eating breakfast).

LUNCH

• Have a warm meal and take your time while eating.

DINNER

• Replace salads and raw foods with a warm, cooked meal.

Yoga and meditation

Performing a complete yoga and meditation session every day can feel like a big commitment. Start by doing the following.

• Do a complete yoga session once a week.
• Do 5 minutes of meditation every day.

Pick one of these things to introduce into your daily life.

• Do 5 minutes of abdominal breathing and body awareness each day.
• Do 5 minutes of positive thinking each day. Use the affirmation, “My heart is filled with compassion towards all beings.”

Physical exercise

If regular exercise is new to you, use the following steps to build it into your daily and weekly routines.

• Start slowly, with 10 minutes a day, and add 1 minute each day. • Exercising in the morning is best, but more important is being able to exercise at the same time each day.
• If you miss a day, just pick it up the next day—don’t allow frustration to build.

The end of your day

Sleep is often neglected in a modern lifestyle. Try to do the following things each night to get a more restful night’s sleep.

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual.
• Avoid using your computer, television, or phone for at least 15 minutes before going to bed. Use this time for a period of quiet contemplation.

WORKING TOWARD HEALTH

Don’t try to change every aspect of your lifestyle at once. Use this advice to build up healthy practices:

• Start with one or two aspects, perhaps those you are most motivated to change.
• Don’t try to change anything that clashes with your duties at home or at work.
• Make a plan and note your progress. If you miss a goal, just go back to the previous step.

ADVICE FOR VATA

Those of a vata nature should try to:

• Drink fewer caffeinated drinks—try switching to green tea, which has a lot less caffeine.
• Avoid eating salads and raw food in the evening—try a warm soup instead.

ADVICE FOR PITTA

Those of pitta nature should try to:

• Have a late-afternoon snack of fresh sweet fruit every day.
• Take 15 minutes each day to cool down using active relaxation.

ADVICE FOR KAPHA

Those of a kapha nature should try to:

• Do a little extra exercise, such as taking the stairs instead of getting on the elevator.
• Eat less at night and start the day with an agni drinnk.