Anchor Yourself with Small Steps for Big Health Changes
Dinacharya is the Ayurvedic practice of following a daily routine. Aligned with Nature's rhythms, this daily self-care routine promotes balance, health, and well-being in your body and mind. The Sanskrit term 'dinacharya' comes from two words: 'dina' meaning day or daily, and 'acharya' meaning conduct, routine, or practice. Together, dinacharya translates to daily routine or, what really resonate for me, the discipline of daily living. This helps emphasize a structured approach to harmonizing one's activities with the cycles of nature.
Simple ways a dinacharya practice harmonizes you with nature's cycles include: ☀️ waking with the sun, 🌙 going to bed at consistent times, 🍽️ having your largest meal around midday when digestion is strongest, and creating daily routines that support energy, balance hormones and promote restful sleep. These small shifts help align your body and mind with the natural rhythms of the day, promoting balance and overall well-being. (I'll be sharing more on these kinds of practices soon!)
That being said, incorporating dinacharya into your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming or rigid. The key is to begin with small, consistent actions. And for me, the most powerful way I have made this happen is by prioritizing self-care first thing in the morning. Starting your day with self-care sets the tone for balance and intentionality, helping you show up fully for the rest of your day.
I’ll be honest: I’m not a natural morning person. Hitting the snooze button is a habit I’ve yet to completely overcome. But within 15 minutes of my alarm, I (gently) push myself out of bed and begin my morning self-care routine. This could be anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes, depending on the day. The beauty of this practice is its flexibility—every day looks different.
Some mornings I sit quietly, holding a mudra and visualizing my energy field moving and expanding. Other days, I sit and check in with my body and breath before flowing through asana (postures) that feel necessary and beneficial. There are times when I’ll practice pranayama techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing or kapalabhati. On other mornings, I turn to mantra meditation—either listening to a recorded mantra while silently repeating it to myself or using my mala beads for japa meditation. And then there are days when I don’t know what I need or what I want to do. So I turn to some of my teachers and mentors for guidance and listen to a guided meditation, or follow a pre-recorded practice.
The point isn’t perfection—it’s showing up for yourself and creating space for self-care, however it feels right in the moment. By anchoring your day with these practices, you’re not only cultivating physical and mental health but also honouring the essence of dinacharya: aligning your life with the rhythms of nature. Over time, you can deepen this connection by incorporating seasonally specific practices, adapting your routine to harmonize with the ebb and flow of changes occurring in the natural world. These adjustments help you stay balanced and nourished throughout the year, fostering resilience and vitality.
All in all, remember it’s the small steps we take consistently that lead to big changes over time. Commit to starting your mornings with care, intention, and a little bit of grace—you’ll be glad you did.
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