5 Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices for a Better Life

With more stress and anxiety affecting the lives of many among us, the necessity of self-care emerged as a priority, especially with more awareness rising on the importance of it. There is no doubt that to become your best self, self-care is integral on all levels, the mind, the body, and the soul. There are so many ways you can look after yourself, among which is ayurvedic practices. So, here are some ayurvedic practices to start including in your daily routine.

 

1. Wake up early. Building the habit of waking up early has several benefits, especially if you can do it during sunrise. According to ayurvedic philosophy, waking up at sunrise helps you synchronize with the rhythm of the sun and it is also known to be the most peaceful time of the day which makes it ideal for yoga and meditation.

 

2. Start your day with hot water with ginger and honey. First thing in the morning, before eating anything drink hot water with ginger and honey. This Ayurvedic practice cleanses you on the inside and promotes better digestion.

 

3. Connect with nature. Nature has an incredible power when it comes to self-care. A walk in nature will help you with stress, calm down your racing thoughts, and make you feel grounded. Also standing barefoot in a garden where you feel the natural ground beneath you will help balance your energy.

 

4. Use essential oils. There are myriad ways essential oils can help with self-care, between mood-boosting and balancing, pain relief, and reducing inflammation. You can use essential oils on your pulse points, as a massage oil, or add a few droplets in a diffuser to refine the entire ambiance of your place.

 

5. Try self-massage (Abhyanga). Rooted in ayurvedic medicine, Abhyanga is a full-body self-massage done with warm oil from the scalp to the soles of your feet. Abhyanga has several therapeutic benefits including lymphatic drainage, reducing muscle soreness and tension, relieving stress, and improving skin health. Apply the oil on your entire body, including the top of your head, and massage all your body, head to toe, in a clockwise circular motion.