By Patricia Wigley

• A full version of this article will appear in the next issue of International Light out later this month

Our daily routine should suit the season. As well as appropriate exercise and fresh food, Ayurveda reminds us to create a healthy rhythm in our day working in line with the rhythms around us in nature. Check out the following ways you can create more balance in your daily routine this winter

• Bed before around 10pm up at 6pm
• Hydrate (warm water with a squirt of lemon juice)
• Bowel motion (preferably in the squat position)
• Exercise (even 5 – 10 mins of movement with breath) or nice brisk walk of 20 – 25 mins (to get prana moving)
• Meditate (20 mins ideally) 5 – 10 is fine to start with
• Breakfast
• Creative activities in the morning
• The midday meal is the most important when the digestive fire is highest between 12 and 2pm
• More routine type of activities for the Afternoon
• Late afternoon and evening for more recreational activities and light evening meal. Spend time with family or those we care for. This is a real need for us and it is the time when we may emotionally overeat or indulge in unhealthy food to fulfil this emotional need.
• Evening practice before evening meal – to release tension accumulated from the day – 20 mins meditation and short wind-down physical practice – eg: legs up the wall and breathing.
• Evening meal – light and easily digested. Eat before 7pm
• Lighting is important: turn off computer and tv screens at least an hour before bed. Sleep in dark room. Melatonin production is stimulated by the dark and quality of sleep will improve.

Notice our day starts with a good sleep at the ideal time the night before. Even one night of poor sleep decreases the ability of your immune system to fight viruses. (If you are not getting enough sleep make sure you practise yoga nidra during the day to ensure complete rest and recuperation).

Patricia will be running an Ayurvedic workshop for winter wellness on July 19. To book in or find out more, click HERE