Best Time of Day To Eat, Sleep And Exercise According To Ayurveda Dinacharya

The Ayurvedic concept of dincharya, which is a daily routine, tells us how we should be doing different types of activities in a day, like eating, sleeping, exercising, etc. Following this discipline helps us to bring balance to our Vata, Pitta, and Kapta doshas. This routine helps us to stay connect with our circadian cycle of day and night rhythm.

Now let’s understand this concept of dinacharya, or daily routine.

The first phase of the day, which is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., is the cup phase of the morning. Try to rise up from your bed before sunrise. First, detox your digestive system by drinking warm water the moment you wake up. This will make it easier to completely empty your bladder. Next, clean your mouth and wash your eyes. Then practice Surya Namaskar, or varieties of asanas, walking, etc. This is the best time of your day to energize your system with the help of exercise. It removes sluggishness, activates the digestive fire, burns fat, and promotes a feeling of peace. After exercise, take a bath and wear light, comfortable clothes. You will feel clean and pure. In this state, pray and meditate. This essential part of your routine will bring calmness and contentment, which will last for the whole day. Next, have a nutritious breakfast. Now, this may depend on your age and the type of body you have. Eat something warm and wholesome so that you stay full until lunch time.

The second phase of the day is the Pitta phase, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the most productive time of your day to do a variety of work. At this time, work with full confidence and full capacity. This is the time when your metabolism is higher. So eat your meal between 12 and 1. If possible, include all kinds of days, from sweet to bitter. Take a light, slow walk after lunch to help your digestive system.

The next phase is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., the vata phase of the day. You may do conscious relaxation after lunch to feel really fresh and agile. You may study if required, but do such tasks. You do not need too much concentration. Walk outdoors in natural surroundings. Do some deep breathing or stretches and socialize; drink tulsi tea or any other herbal tea that you like; after sunset, go for a quick wash; do a light diya; sit for prayer or meditate; this practice will bring harmony to your body and mind.

6–10 p.m. of the day is the Kapha phase of the night; have a light and easy-to-digest dinner so that when you go to sleep, your food is already digested. Take a little stroll or walk again, and spend some quality time with your family. You may also read and maybe listen to some soothing music as you wind up your day. Massage your head or sole of your feet with oil to calm the body. Dim the light, wear comfortable clothes, and go to bed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., depending on the phase of the night. During this time, your body needs to relax completely so that it can heal, repair, and rejuvenate itself. So try to go to bed by 10 p.m. and make good sleep a priority.

Now at night, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., is the vata phase. At this time, the body feels very light because the digestion is complete and the cellular repair work is done. Stay asleep during these early hours to feel more rested. If you wake up during this time, you may find it hard to go to sleep again. During this time, it is best to meditate, chant mantras, or do some pranayama. When it is 6 a.m., it is again the cup phase. of the body, and the day-night cycle continues like that.

Conclusion

So you see, at any time of the day or night, we are either in Vata, Pitta, or Kapha Dosha with us. In our ancient scripture, there is a Sanskrit verse that says

Yat Pinde Tat Brahmande (यत् पिण्डे तत् ब्रह्माण्डे)

Our body is the miniature form of the universe. In this life, it is best to change our lifestyle to synchronize with the cycle of nature by following dinacharya. In the beginning, your body will not agree to this routine and will resist these changes. But if you continue for about three weeks, you will see a positive difference in your health. You will also feel more energetic and joyful.