mav scb June 9, 2023 I loved Stephanie’s posting here last week. Such a simple reminder how important and comforting the familiar can be. I wanted to build on that this week and write a bit about routine. I have been leaning on Ayurvedic traditions lately. I find the rhythms calming and bolstering and I am feeling better overall by adding in some simple practices that require self discipline and mindfulness. Happy to share a few notes on my simple routines here today. xo, MAV Here is some further information on Ayurvedic medicine. Morning: ~ Drink a cup of hot water with lemon first thing. This helps to get the digestive fire going. Digestive fire will help you digest your food all day long. ~ Eat something grounding for breakfast. Find out what is best for you (what makes you feel more calm and centered) and try to prepare it with love and sit down and enjoy it. If you can, give yourself a few minutes after you eat to just sit. ~ Keep your list for the day realistic. Move anything that can wait to a list for the next day, or better yet next week. The morning is a great time to be in touch with sensible goals. Afternoon: ~ Sit down for lunch. This can be a very busy time of day which is why it is the best time to give yourself a bit of time to respectfully eat your food. ~ Try and make lunch your biggest meal. It is good for your digestion to have your largest meal in the middle of the day. If possible make this meal diverse. Check out the six Ayurvedic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent) and try to include them when you can. ~ Check in with yourself. Half the day is done and the other half is in front of you. Ask: what can you adjust in your day to make yourself feel good? Perhaps there is something on you mind that you need to talk out, perhaps you need to cancel the plans you had for the evening because you are just feeling too rushed. A mid-day check in doesn’t take much time at all. Evening: ~ Try and eat a few hours before you go to sleep. Good digestion time at the end of the day can set you up for good sleep and that can set you up for a good next day! ~ Head to bed when you feel tired, plain and simple. You will be less awake tomorrow if you don’t get the rest your body is requesting. ~ Do a few breathing exercises or better yet a foot massage with sesame oil at the end of the night. Let go of anything you are holding from the day. ~ Take a moment to think of what you are thankful for from the day you have just lived. Share TWITTER FACEBOOK TUMBLR PINTEREST EMAIL