In Ayurveda, how you start your day is very essential. Its the same exact way that when you start cooking, even the temperature of the pan or the amount of oil you put into the pan to cook with or the amount herbs or spices used will affect the end result of that dish.
How you start your morning affects the whole day. Read below morning routines of some people who have written to me.
Everyone has their own unique signature morning routine. Here is mine:
My usual morning routine is to wake up around 5.30 to 6am (sometimes earlier). Having brushed teeth etc, first thing I do is drink mug-full of hot water. Then I read/study for 30 minutes – usually classical text books on Ayurveda, Yoga or my medical text books. . This is followed by an Indian Chai which I freshly make at home with the traditional Indian spices. Usually this is followed by another Herbal Tea – usually Ayurveda Pura’s Ginger and Lemon Zest Tea (which I absolutely love).
Then I follow it with a 30 minute Yoga practice. Followed by shower and get ready. I haven’t had breakfast for almost a decade and half. So no breakfast for this Tridoshic personality. But I will definitely have all my Ayurvedic herbs every morning before I leave home.
My ideal morning starts at 6.30am, I brush teeth etc and drink warm water with lemon and ginger. I then head to my little yoga room and chant my morning mantras, journal, do some tarot cards, meditate and do about 15mins yoga (depending on how I feel some all of this happens).
I then shower and get ready for the day, I make a smoothie or juice for my daughter and myself and then if not teaching take the dog for a nice long walk along the sea wall. Emma Turnbull – Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Consultant Emma’s Instagram
I love my morning routine! This is what I do: Get up between 5:30 and 6am. Brush teeth, scrape tongue. Shatkarmas – jala neti, lagoo shankaprakshalana, agnisara kriya (agnisara usually during yoga practice). Prepare warm water with lemon and ginger – to be drunk before and during the yoga practice. Yoga, including pranayana and meditation practice – 1 to 1,5 hour. Dry brushing or hot oil massage (massage if I have the time and feel like I need it that day). Shower. Hot drink – spiced raw cacao or chicory tonic. Sometimes spiced chicory & coffee tonic with ghee – I am experimenting. Take vitamins and Ayurvedic herbs. Get ready and dressed for work. Prepare and put breakfast and lunch into containers to be eaten in the office.
And after about 3 hours I am supercharged and ready to face anything in this world! – Oxana Weber – Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Consultant Oxana’s Instagram
Hi I find morning routine a blessing to begin my day. I mostly give the first 2 hours to myself ( I don’t have anyone else depending on me so it’s fine) I usually wake around 6.30.
I start with tongue scrape and anu nasal oil followed by massage with Brahmi Amla oil around 15 to 30 mins depends how I feel, followed by cup warm boiled water, a little contemplation then shower.
Then onto my mat for some yoga practice around 30 mins, then a lemon & ginger drink shortly followed by a fruit smoothie with herbs and spices.
Then I’m ready to face the world and begin my day. – Margaret Clarke – Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Consultant Margaret’s Facebook
My daily routine always includes making up a plan for the day. It makes me feel focused. And I always start the day with a big mug of warm water like you do. – Almira Fattakhova Almira’s Instagram
My morning routine is an embarrassment. I know it needs work but will share to encourage others in a similar boat. Feeling very inspired by your post Dr Deepa and it gives me some very helpful pointers.
So, my alarm goes off at 6am. I take a few minutes to come round and usually get up at 6.15am. I then go downstairs, feed the cat, prepare breakfast for my daughter, have a double espresso and unload the dishwasher. Then I try and persuade daughter to get out of bed and eat breakfast while I’m checking work emails and social media. When I’m satisfied daughter’s on board with the programme I shower, clean teeth, dry hair and get dressed before nagging her to do the same. If the wind’s in the right direction, we’re out of the house at 7.30am for the short drive to the school bus. I’m at work by 8am where I prepare for the day, catch up on admin and see my first client at 9am.
I know the theory of what I should be doing but sometimes life gets in the way. My commitment following this post is to swap the espresso for hot water or ginger and lemon tea and replace the email/social media check for 10 minutes yoga or meditation. Small changes and baby steps but I will at least have made a start. – Jane Eastwood – Ayurvedic Consultant, Ayurvedic Therapist. Jane’s Instagram
My morning routine for about 4 and half years is: After waking up, will say a prayer and wash my teeth, sometimes I do drink warm water, sometimes don’t. Next I will make a fresh juice from carrots, apple, ginger pressed and adding lemon and turmeric in it. Having lunch like late afternoon. Ramona Prodan – Ramona’s Instagram