According to Ayurveda, cultivating a daily routine is one of the most important ways we can support our health. The practice of an Ayurveda daily routine, known as dinacharya, is based on following the natural doshic times of day so we can achieve alignment with mother nature. Having a routine and practicing daily rituals allows us to sync our circadian rhythms and energetic potential to enjoy optimal health. The following is a sample daily routine according to Ayurveda.

Morning

The morning is the most important part of your daily routine. The early hours are the time during which you set the mood for the rest of your day. Read our Ayurveda Morning Routine Guide for specific instructions, but here are some of the key elements:

• Get up early. Ayurveda recommends that we get up before the sun rises. The hours before sunrise (2 AM - 6 AM) are Vata time. There are many benefits of waking up within these hours, but importantly, it helps us feel more energized and alert.
• Detox. Throughout the night, our bodies process toxins, so it's important to evacuate and engage in toxin removal techniques, like tongue scraping. 
• Oil up, then cleanse. Practicing Abhyanga is an essential morning ritual in Ayurveda. Allow the oil (or, better yet, Ghruta ghee) to sit for about 15 minutes before showering and bathing.
• Take Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash is a versatile and potent supplement that helps bring energy and vitality into the body. Chyawanprash is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, 15-45 minutes before eating breakfast.
• Practice pranayama, meditation, and yoga. The Vata time of the morning relates to breath and spiritual practices and is the ideal time for pranayama, meditation, and yogic practices.
• Exercise. As we enter Kapha time (6 AM - 10 AM), it's a good time to engage in exercise to wake up the body and get the blood flowing.
• Eat breakfast. By the time you finish the above activities, it's likely near 8 AM and a good time to eat breakfast based on your dosha. Wondering what to eat? Read our Ayurvedic Breakfast Ideas. Now is a good time to incorporate any herbal supplements like Longevity, Mind, Hair, and Skin.

Midday

After starting your day with an Ayurvedic morning routine, it’s time to kick off a productive midday routine. Here’s what that might include.

• Work during the late morning and early afternoon. The Pitta hours (between 10 AM and 2 PM) are the times during which people feel motivated, focused, and productive. These are the best hours to work and solve problems.
• Nourish yourself most at lunchtime. Your agni is highest at midday, and as such, this is the best time for you to eat the day's largest meal. (If you need extra digestive support, you can take a dietary supplement – like digestion – before your meal.)
• Late afternoon / early evening walk. The late afternoon and early evening are good times to take a walk. This can stimulate agni and improve digestion. 

Evening

The evening is the time during which you wind down after your day. A good Ayurveda daily routine will include some of these tips.

• Eat dinner around 6pm. According to the natural rhythm of a day, you should have dinner around 6:00 p.m. This is Kapha time and digestive fire is weaker. To avoid unnecessary strain on your digestive system during the night, dinner should be very light and easy to digest. Also, try to eat seasonal foods for your dosha type.
• Reduce stimulation. You want your evening hours to be relaxing and free from excessive stimulation. This is a great time for relaxing music and gentle activities.
• Practice pranayama, meditation, and yoga as needed. Pranayama, or breathing exercises, are excellent evening-time exercises that can help promote relaxation and encourage a good night's rest. Meditation and yoga can also help you relax and overcome the day's stressors. Need some guidance? Our article on Yoga for Sleep is a great place to start.
• Follow the same bedtime schedule every day. It is said that a regular daily routine is more important than the occasional medicine. In this sense, it's important to make sure that you get to bed at the same time every day. This helps to solidify your circadian rhythm (your sleep-wake cycle) and ensures that you can get up early to start your Ayurvedic daily routine in the morning.

When you start embracing an Ayurveda routine, you’ll find yourself starting each day with increasing peace. Be patient as you seek to shift yourself from well-established routines, and don’t worry if you don’t incorporate all of the steps. Create a routine based on what makes sense for you. And remember that no matter how small your routine, you are having a positive impact on your life.