Thriving with rhythms

There’s more to circadian rhythms than just your sleep and wake timing. Your digestion also operates on regular cycles. One of the recommendations you might be given is to try to eat at the same timed every day. Why is this important? Your body loves to be aligned with natural cycles and rhythms. Just as our heartbeat, breath and hormones operate on regular circadian rhythms, digestion will thrive on knowing what to expect. There is an ayurvedic saying that “when you eat is more important than what you eat”. It is part of your body’s innate intelligence to prepare for what is coming and respond accordingly. When you eat at the same time every day you will start to feel hungry at the same time. Ghrelin and a symphony of digestive juices will start to flow and prepare for processing the intake, and elimination will also become regular. You will feel more satisfied as dopamine and other neurotransmitters respond in tune. It will also be helpful to avoid snacking between meal times so not to confuse this process. Eat only when you are hungry and you will easily train your digestion to work more efficiently. Take supplements on a regular schedule too.

Along the same lines, you can improve sleep by going to bed at the same time every night and waking at the same time. You can optimize your exercise results by exercising at the same time every day. Ayurveda calls this dinacarya, or daily practices. You can also incorporate bathing, meditating and other selfcare practices into a regular routine. The downstream effects of establishing a routine can have positive effects on hormonal cycles and mental health.

The importance of a daily routine cannot be underestimated. Applying these subtle changes can bring profound and lasting drug-free benefits. It can bring a sense of grounding and confidence to your days, restfulness to your sleep, improve focus, strengthen digestion, and assist in cleansing. Use this as a guide and not as a rigid rule. Be kind to yourself as you experience transformation.

 If you would like personalized guidance on optimizing your daily routine and lifestyle practices, please reach out to our Ayurvedic Counselor.

copyrite Monika Tournis September 2024