The Doshas in Your Day - Cultivating a Daily Yogic Routine
- Claire
- May 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Cultivating a daily yogic routine lays the groundwork for some radically transformative body, mind, and consciousness upgrades.
Getting into a rhythm isn't just about keeping your constitution in check—it's about syncing up with your body's natural flow, making digestion, absorption, and overall well-being more optimal. Plus, having a set routine can really amp up your confidence, build good habits, and leave you feeling all zen and happy inside. And the bonus? It might just tack on a few extra years to your life (so say the big shots in the Ayurvedic world… and several people in India who lived well into their 120s and even 150s).
Ayurvedic dinacharya, a daily routine often called the 'law of nature,' highlights the deep connection between humans and the natural world. It suggests that our body functions in sync with the cycles of the sun and moon. These natural rhythms impact digestion, mental clarity, creativity, and spiritual growth. The doshas—vata, kapha, and pitta—are energies in our body and mind, each linked to specific natural elements. By organizing our daily routines around these doshic cycles, we can optimize activities like sleep, self-care, meals, work, and spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation. This alignment fosters harmony, boosting overall health and well-being, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The Doshas in Our Day
Vata time
During the vata phase, we're brimming with creativity and curiosity, finely attuned to the subtle energies of the universe and within ourselves. Mornings are ideal for spiritual practices and inner reflection, while afternoons are best suited for work and socializing. Both vata windows are transitional periods and are a perfect time for movement and creativity.
02:00 – 06.00
This is when vata energy is most active in our bodies and we are full of energy. To harness this vitality, it's beneficial to rise early. The optimal time to wake up is about 4 hours before sunrise. Upon waking, a revitalizing shower helps rid our bodies of toxins accumulated overnight. As vata is associated with the air and space elements, this time is perfect for practices like pranayama, meditation, and engaging in spiritual exercise and mantras. Our sleep and dreams are believed to be more active and we are more open to reflection. Brahma Muhurta, which literally means The Creator's Time, falls within this window and is said to be the perfect time to perceive knowledge.
Kapha time - 06:00 -10:00
Kapha energy shapes how we present ourselves to the world. Working in harmony with earth and water elements, it provides a stabilizing counterbalance to the airy nature of vata. Given the slow, solid, and stabilizing energy of the kapha dosha, it's advisable to tackle more challenging tasks to maximize its potential. Breakfast, the first meal of the day, is ideally consumed during this phase. Around 8 am is optimal, as the body can efficiently utilize the nutrients from the food consumed, aligning with the characteristics of kapha energy.
Pitta time – 10:00 –14:00
Between 10 am and 2 pm, kapha's chill vibe is replaced by the fiery power of pitta, making it the perfect time to tackle tough tasks. Linked to the elements of fire and water, the pitta hours of waking are like turbocharged productivity sessions.
When the sun reaches its zenith, it's like the sky's echoing pitta's fiery energy. This period is prime for digestion and nutrient absorption in the body, making it ideal for lunch between 12 and 1 pm. Thanks to the supportive energy of pitta, lunch can be hearty and satisfying.
Vata time – 14:00 - 18:00
It's afternoon time, ruled by the lively energy of the vata dosha. Early on, tackle some light mental tasks to keep the brain ticking. As the afternoon rolls on, get the body moving with some regular exercise. This window is perfect for unwinding with yoga to shake off the day's tension. After your workout, is ideal for your cleansing routine. Just a heads-up, though: try and have your shower earlier in the evening, as showering can be revitalising and invigorating, which might make it tough to wind down for bedtime.
Kapha time – 18:00 – 22:00
Starting from 6 pm, the kapha dosha takes charge once more. It's a great time to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet. Hang out with your family or pets, dive into a good book, or delve into spiritual practices. A light dinner around 6 pm is recommended and aim to hit the hay by 10 pm.
Pitta time – 22:00 – 02:00
While the deep sleep phase might seem like downtime for the mind, internally, our organs are on a crucial detox mission, getting us all prepped and primed for the day ahead.
We all strive to live a healthy life and have good habits, because who doesn't want to live without constantly worrying about health issues, right? But let's face it, in today's hectic world, finding the right balance between health and work can be a challenge. Incorporating an ayurvedic daily routine can be a simple, yet effective way to bring about balance and harmony to our body, mind and soul.
Unsure what your dosha is? Do this quick dosha quiz to find out!
(And while you're there, browse the Maruva Naturals fantastic skincare range. Their all natural products blend Indian Ayurvedic principles with African botanicals, and there is a range for each of the three doshas.)