How My Daily Routine Keeps Me Grounded in Daily Life
In Ayurveda, Dinacharya—the practice of establishing a consistent daily routine—is more than just a wellness trend. It’s a foundational principle that supports digestion, sleep, emotional well-being, and overall energy. Over time, I’ve learned that how I begin and end my day deeply affects everything in between.
My Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for the Day
I used to jump straight into my phone or emails in the morning. Now, I begin with quiet presence—and it has made all the difference.
- Wake Up with the Sun (Around 6am or earlier)
I aim to rise just before sunrise, in the calm Vata time of day. This is when the mind is most still and receptive.
- Warm Water + Tongue Scraping
Before anything else, I use the bathroom then, I brush my teeth, scrape my tongue to remove ama (toxins that accumulate overnight), followed by a glass of warm water. This gently awakens digestion.
- Meditation
I do a series of breathing techniques and then start a 20 minute meditation. On days were I am very busy in the morning or running late, I may do a 7 minute meditation or meditate later in the day if I could not complete my morning meditation.
- Oil Pulling
Using organic sesame or coconut oil, I swish for 1–5 minutes while preparing for the next steps. This leaves my mouth feeling fresh, my teeth cleaner, and my gums stronger.
- Abhyanga (Self-Massage)
This is one of my favorite rituals. I warm up sesame oil (in winter) or coconut oil (in summer) and massage it from head to toe. It takes about 10–15 minutes and brings an incredible sense of grounding and calm.
- Shower
My Evening Routine: Releasing the Day
Evenings are sacred time. They allow me to reset, release mental clutter, and prepare for deep sleep. If my morning is for inviting energy, my evening is for letting go.
- Early, Light Dinner
I try to eat by 6:30 or 7:00 PM—something warm, nourishing, and easy to digest like soup or steamed vegetables with ghee.
- Soothing Hygiene Rituals
I love to do a little self care in the evening when I don’t feel rushed:
- Face Scrub: I use a natural exfoliating scrub to wash away the day—especially sweat and environmental buildup.
- Gum Powder: Brush, floss, water floss then I apply an herbal gum powder not only supports oral health but feels like a mini detox for 1-5 minutes.
- Oil Rinse: This is my version of oil pulling at night, but shorter—just a minute or two to cleanse and lubricate before bed.
- Journaling the BEST parts of the day
Some nights, I journal. Other nights, I just breathe deeply or sip herbal tea in silence.
- Sleep by 10-11 PM
Going to bed early helps my body detox naturally and improves the quality of my rest.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection
This isn’t a rigid checklist—it’s a rhythm that shifts gently with the seasons and my life. Here’s a personal look at the Ayurvedic rituals that have helped bring balance, focus, and peace to my everyday life. I try to keep this routine as much as possible because I see the benefits of how I feel when I am consistent with the routine, such as lower stress, more energy, less mood swings, better oral health. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal – consistency is so if you feel inspired to start a morning and evening routine – pick 1 thing from this list to get started.
These practices aren’t always perfectly timed or executed. Some mornings are shorter, some evenings are interrupted—but the point isn’t to follow a rigid structure. It’s about showing up for yourself with care, every day.
Start with one routine that resonates with you and let me know your favorite! 😊