Staying with a routine and finding time to relax can be a struggle in today’s society. Between work, family, friends, responsibilities, and everyday life—taking time to relax and bring forth balance can seem impossible and unrealistic. Ayurveda is effective because it has been proven effective for over 6,000 years and is a system that promotes wellness within your everyday life. Using your current schedule, Ayurveda can easily be included through consistency and mindfulness.

As simple as that may sound, it is full of truth. Our mind, body, and spirit are relatively basic when it comes to needs. Things like technology, societal advancements, and even modern-day living, are all great to have—but our body does not depend on them to survive. Ayurveda is a way of life that has been studied for thousands of years. Through this, Ayurvedic leaders were able to pinpoint what our body needs to be aligned with our mind and spirit. Cultural and societal changes have since evolved, but there are many ways that Ayurveda can be actively practiced with success and ease.

Hydrate with Lemon:

Coffee, soda, and other sugary beverages are usually much needed in the morning to give you an energy boost. However, it often causes more digestive issues and dietary restraints than we would like to admit. We all rely on that added push in the morning, however much of your fatigue is credited to your gut health. Drinking hot lemon water in the morning is not only refreshing, but it also flushes out your system. This can help enhance digestion and improve overall gut health. The heat of the water helps keep your system warm, which is a key part in the overall digestion process. Lemons contain various nutrients such as vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Lemons help decrease your body’s acidity and flush out various toxins.

Meditation with Tingsha Bells:

Meditation is proven effective in not only connecting to self, but reducing the effects of anxiety, depression, and an overactive mind. The act of meditating helps to calm your mind and put your body into a relaxed state. Meditation alone can be effective but adding tingsha bells can aid in the overall impact that meditation has on your body. Tingsha bells work to improve the healthy energy within your body and work to restore your brainwaves. Using the tingsha bells prior to meditation and after can really set your expectations to only receive and radiate positive energy. To better promote a relaxing state, set up your meditation pillow in a room that is comfortable and peaceful along with your tingsha bells and yoga mat.

Meditation is encouraged right when you wake up as your brain is usually still in a “dream-like state.” This allows you to start your day refreshed, balanced, and on a positive note. Keeping your mind calm and positive can set the pace for the day ahead and keep you grounded in high-stress environments. Meditation is also beneficial before bed to help ease your mind before you fall asleep. This can help with insomnia and anxiety which can inhibit your body from relaxing and receiving a good night's sleep.

Power of Music Therapy:

Music Therapy is actively being studied on the affects that it has on the mind, body, and spirit. Music Therapy can be used in many different forms. It can assist with overall relaxation and positivity as well as increased efficiency when played during work or study. Given that it produces a more positive vibration within the body, it can help ward off negative emotions that would otherwise create anxieties, worry, and stress. If you are feeling any negative emotions—playing Music Therapy is the perfect way to ease your mind. Music Therapy was founded in India and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms as well.

Yoga and the Mind:

Yoga and meditation go hand in hand. Yoga helps to enhance the performance of meditation by creating a state of union—known as “Yuj.” This works to create a connection between body, mind, and soul. There is also a term “Samadhi” which means the state of union. This means that mind, body, and soul is not connected to anything—but connected to everything within the universe. Since everything connects to each other, it is the way of life that yoga follows. This practice promotes physical wellbeing, moral elevation, spiritual enlightenment, and calmness. In connecting your mind, body, and spirit, you can connect further to yourself and the universe around you which promotes an influx of positive energy within you. Yoga mats are not only helpful, but they provide you with extra cushion support. This better allows you to practice your various movements through added support and enhanced grip—which promotes a safer and more effective practice.

Natural Self- Care:

Massaging oil into the skin is not only moisturizing and hydrating, but it helps to promote relaxation within the body and mind. Sesame oil is recommended for cooler months to help promote hydration and moisture especially for those who live in cooler climates. Coconut oil is beneficial during the summer months to help soothe the skin from common irritations such as sunburn or redness. Before showering, take 15-20 minutes to massage this oil into the skin to improve skin health and promote relaxation. After your massage, wash off the remaining oil in the shower using soap. You can also use essential oils that are safe for topical use on the skin. Using oils that are in unison with your dosha can amplify the effect that your energy has to the treatment.

Tongue scrapers are also incredibly beneficial and easy to use. Not only do they help rid the coating on the top of your tongue which contributes to bad breath and excess bacteria, but it also helps with diet as well. By removing the outer coating, you are able to better taste your food through increased taste reception—thus causing less need for sugar, salt, or spice. This satisfies your taste buds which contributes to eating less and being more fulfilled with your meal.

Diffuse with Essential Oils:

Essential oils are also great to use during aromatherapy. It promotes deep relaxation and helps to calm the mind, body, and senses. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser and are safe for any space. You can bring it with you to work to help with an overactive mind, or in your room to help with sleep and relaxation. Essential oils are also good to have when meditating or practicing yoga to help calm your mind and place your body in a relaxed state. For a personalized experience, find essential oils that are compatible with your dosha to help your body to better align itself. Read more to find out which essential oil is best for your dosha.

Eat Mindfully:

Using the results from your dosha quiz, you will be able to effectively plan a series of meals that will help detox your body and mind based on your makeup. Ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and spices can enhance the flavor and overall taste to promote balance.

There are many ways that these ingredients can be used during your meals and everyday snacks. Herbs and spices, for instance, such as Cumin, Turmeric, and Licorice Root help to provide great added health benefits. Cumin helps with the digestive process including speed and efficiency. Turmeric assists in overall blood flow and works great as a natural anti-inflammatory. Licorice Root helps with sore throats, oral hygiene, and ridding harmful bacteria.

For fall and winter months, check out some of these Ayurvedic recipes to learn how to include natural ingredients in your meals each day, to promote a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

Ayurveda can be incorporated through changing small steps in your daily routine. Anything that can bring you more in touch with your body, soul, and mind, as well as the world around you can help improve overall mental and bodily functions. This can promote relaxation, balance, and overall peace within yourself and the hectic environment around you. Start your Ayurvedic journey today and share with us below with how you incorporate Ayurveda into your everyday life.

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7 Ways to Incorporate Ayurveda into Your Lifestyle