IBY LINDSEY ZIMMERMAN , THRIVE YOGA
t ’ s a well-known fact that for many of us , the start of a new year means that we create New Year ’ s resolutions , with many of our resolutions relating to goals for our health and wellbeing . It ’ s also a fact that more often than not , these resolutions fall by the wayside before January comes to an end . Using some tips from yoga ’ s sister science Ayurveda , a holistic health system rooted in nature and the elements , we can create a new daily routine that leads to long lasting health and longevity .
- TRY TO FOLLOW A REGULAR SCHEDULE . Functionally , our bodies and minds crave routine and regularity . While some of us thrive on routine and have no problem doing the same things at the same time each day , others resist routine , preferring more variety in their day . Even if you crave variety day to day , try to find one or two times each day when you can do the same things at the same time every day . Preferably , this activity would be something you find relaxing . Maybe it ’ s a few minutes of meditation first thing in the morning , sipping a cup of tea after lunch , or reading a book before bed . Whatever you choose , make sure it ’ s something you can do at the same time each day and then make sure to actually do it !
- MANAGE YOUR DIGESTION . In Ayurveda , it is believed that the root cause of all illness and disease in the body stems from poor digestion . If you are having a daily bowel movement of good quality ( i . e . – stool is not hard , dry , or discolored ), that is an indicator of healthy digestion . In Ayurveda , we manage our digestion by managing our agni , or digestive fire . If you are frequently constipated or nauseous , you may have low agni . Eating warm nourishing well-cooked foods and avoiding cold food and drinks can help you manage low agni . If you frequently have diarrhea , a burning sensation in the stomach , or acidity in the GI tract , you may be experiencing high agni . Eating cooling foods like fresh vegetables , salads , and ice cream and avoiding hot and spicy food and drinks can help you manage high agni .
- USE A TONGUE SCRAPER EACH MORNING . Each night as you sleep , your body undergoes a detoxification process and the product of that process ( what we call ama or toxicity in Ayurveda ) ends up on your tongue . In order to avoid swallowing the ama that the body is trying to get rid of , upon rising in the morning you want to brush your teeth and scrape your tongue before ingesting anything . You can find Ayurvedic tongue scrapers online , at most health food stores , and at some yoga studios .
- MASSAGE THE BODY WITH WARM OIL DAILY . If you find yourself combatting constant dryness , perform a daily warm oil massage . Dry skin actually originates from inside the body and a daily massage , or abhyanga , helps alleviate that dryness from the inside out . Ideally , you would add this oil massage to either your morning or evening routine at a time when you can follow it up with a warm shower . The shower will help open your pores , allowing the oil to fully penetrate the skin . Based on the time of year , different oils can be used to maximize results . In the fall and winter seasons , sesame oil is recommended . In spring and summer , coconut oil is best .
Changing your daily routine can sometimes seem overwhelming , but making small changes a little at a time can add up to big results over time . As you begin to feel more healthy and energized , it becomes easier to stick to your new routine . Eventually these habits become a normal part of your day , much like brushing your hair or putting on shoes to leave the house . Incorporate some of these Ayurvedic habits into your daily life and begin charting your course to health and wellness in the new year .
16 RPCRA . ORG | JAN / FEB 2018