CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

By following an ayurvedic routine, one can align with natural cycles that support total health. Circadian rhythms are the biological clocks that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, metabolism, digestion, and immunity. Understanding and respecting these rhythms can contribute significantly to our overall health and happiness.

Understanding Circadian Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are essentially our internal body clocks that regulate our daily sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, metabolism, and many other biological processes. They are influenced by external factors such as light and darkness, which signal our brain to wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night (and produce the appropriate hormones to support these processes). When we align our daily routines with these natural rhythms, our bodies can function at their best.

Ayurveda and Circadian Rhythms

In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, the daily rhythms are associated with the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. By understanding the qualities of these doshas and their influence on our bodies at different times of the day, we can align our activities accordingly to achieve optimal health and well-being.

6 Practices to Get in Tune with Circadian Rhythms

Here are some practices to help you align with your circadian rhythms:

1. Rise with the Sun

Waking up before sunrise and performing cleansing rituals, followed by a yoga practice, can ground the Vata dosha and set a positive tone for the day.

2. Morning Sunlight

Taking a walk in the early morning sun can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boost your mood and energy level.

3. Be Productive During Daytime

Engage in productive and creative work during the morning and afternoon, when the sun is at its peak and the Pitta dosha is dominant. This is when your concentration and productivity are at their highest.

4. Eat a Balanced Lunch

Eat a nourishing and balanced lunch, which should be the largest meal of the day, between 12 and 2 pm, when the digestive fire is strongest. This promotes balanced energy throughout the day and improves digestion.

5. Afternoon Meditation

Meditating in the afternoon can help balance the Vata dosha and promote a sense of calm and focus.

6. Light Dinner

Eating a light and easy-to-digest dinner, at least three hours before bedtime, can help avoid indigestion during the Kapha dominant time when our digestion is slower.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can align your body and mind with the circadian rhythms and create a lifestyle that supports your overall health and well-being.