Dincharya: The Ancient Art of Daily Routine for Modern Wellness
I have found myself thinking about my daily routine as of late and wanted to share the ancient Ayurvedic practice of Dincharya (daily routine). It is a rather simple yet important concept and something that I myself have struggled to implement. I know I’m not alone. I commonly talk with people about their daily routine. We live such busy lives. Things move at rapid speed. We have many priorities we are juggling. It is easy for us to forget about sleep hygiene, movement, eating well and mindfulness.
What is Dincharya?
Dincharya offers a systematic approach to daily wellness that can transform your health and bring balance to your busy life. Dincharya comes from two Sanskrit words: 'Din' (day) and 'Charya' (routine). It's a comprehensive system of daily practices designed to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health by living in harmony with nature's cycles. Let's explore this ancient practice and how you can adapt it for your life.
The Ideal Daily Schedule
Brahma Muhurta (Early Morning: 4:00-5:30 AM) - Wake up during this spiritually charged time - Practice meditation or light yoga - The atmosphere is pure and peaceful, perfect for spiritual practices.
Morning Practices (5:30-7:00 AM) - Clean your face and brush your teeth - Scrape your tongue to remove toxins. Drink warm water to stimulate digestion. Practice oil pulling for oral health. Perform Abhyanga (self-massage) with warm oil.
Physical Exercise (7:00-8:00 AM) - Practice yoga asanas. Go for a morning walk. Perform exercises suitable for your body type.
Breakfast (8:00-9:00 AM) - Eat a nourishing breakfast. Choose warm, easily digestible foods. Practice mindful eating.
Work Period (9:00 AM-6:00 PM) - Engage in productive work. Take regular breaks. Stay hydrated. Have lunch at midday when digestion is strongest.
Evening Routine (6:00-9:00 PM) - Light exercise or walking. Early, light dinner. Family time. Relaxing activities.
Bedtime (9:00-10:00 PM) - Wind down activities. Practice meditation or gratitude. Sleep before 10:00 PM.
The Modern Daily Schedule
Following the ideal schedule might be challenging in today's world. So you can begin by implementing these basic practices: wake up early (even if not at Brahma Muhurta), establish a morning hygiene routine, make time for physical activity, have regular meal times and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Here are some practical adaptations:
Flexible Timing: Adjust the schedule to your work hours while maintaining the sequence of activities.
Essential Practices: Focus on key elements like early rising, proper hygiene, and regular mealtimes.
Gradual Implementation: Start with one or two practices and gradually add more.
Digital Boundaries: Include modern necessities like limiting screen time before bed.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection but progress. Start with what feels manageable and build from there. Your body and mind will thank you for bringing more rhythm and routine into your daily life. Here is what you can expect from following Dincharya:
Benefits
Improved digestion and metabolism
Better sleep quality
Enhanced mental clarity
Reduced stress and anxiety
Stronger immunity
Increased energy levels
Better work-life balance
