Daily Rhythm

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 All living things follow a biological rhythm that syncs with the path of the sun. In the west we call this our Circadian Rhythm from latin meaning 'about 1 day'. Fun fact!: there are ideal times for certain activities based on our biological processes. 

In Ayurveda we have the concept of Dinacharya- Daily Movement or 'Following the day'. By observing the rhythm of life the ancient physicians of India saw the patterns of humans and animals as the day flowed. They recognized qualities of each time. When you are feeling effects of stress and imbalance the first place to look for rebalance is your daily routine. Living in harmony with the biological rhythm is a stabilizing practice bringing calm, rest and clarity. 

Here is a breakdown of Dinacharya, the ideal flow of the day.

2 A.M to 6 A.M. Sunrise - Vata is element of air. Time for intuition and communication.

  • sleep & dream

  • rise just before the sun

  • sacred silence, gratitude, prayer, greet the day

6 A.M. to 10 A.M. - Kapha is the element of earth. Time for grounding and nourishing. 

  • eliminate

  • cleanse the senses

  • massage

  • move

  • meditate

  • bathe

  • breakfast

10 A.M. to 2 P.M. - Pitta is the element of fire. Time for inspiration and transformation. 

  • pursue your purpose 

  • lunch when the sun is at it highest

2 P.M. to 6 P.M. - Vata 

  • walk

  • pursue your purpose

  • communicate

  • twilight tune-in

6 P.M. to 10 P.M. - Kapha

  • dinner

  • connect with loved ones

  • evening unwinding

10 P.M. to 2 A.M. - Pitta

  • sleep

10 years ago this seemed totally unrealistic to me, but I have gradually moved into this flow. It took me quite a while to shift my life into this rhythm so don't think you have to wake up in the morning and reorganize your life. It has been immensely beneficial to harmonize my body mind and spirit to a natural daily rhythm but its a process of many small shifts. What's truly incredible is that all the self-care, health, diet, fitness, and beauty tips that are out in the world fit into Dinacharya. If there is such a thing as the fountain of youth, dinacharya is the roadmap. 

If you'd like a video explanation on Circadian Rhythm check out our friends from SciShow here on youtube.

Circadian Rhythm  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UbQ0RxQu2gM

And if you are already obsessed with living in harmony with your daily rhythm check out these guys who have skincare designed for it. Circadia http://www.circadia.com/