Valentine’s Day, the holiday for love and affection, is upon us , its the perfect time to pamper and cherish yourself , but remember that cherishing yourself needs no holiday. After all, your relationship with yourself is one of the most important that you will develop in your lifetime.
1. Yoga/Meditation
According to Ayurveda, exercise is most effective during the Kapha time of the day. Kapha begins at 6 am and ends at 10 am, it repeats once again in the evening between 6 and 10. During Kapha, our muscular strength naturally increases. Utilize this time to find bodily harmony. Exercising during Kapha can counterbalance feelings of heaviness and lethargy.
After your physical practice, finish off with a short meditation. Allow this to cleanse the mind. Depending on which Kapha cycle you’re in, either set an intention for the new day or clear your mind for a restful sleep.
2. Daily Self-Massage
Ayurveda recommends spending 15 minutes to the act of self-massaging daily. By devoting this time to your body, you can melt away any stress or tension. Plus, there are health benefits from a daily oil massage. From improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to softer skin, and improved sleep patterns, this small ritual nourishes your body from the inside out.
Try massaging with an Ayurvedic oil with cooling herbs in summer, and a warming, sesame-based oil in winter.
3. Adequate Sleep
Deep sleep is important in Ayurvedic practice. Sleep repairs renew and rejuvenate our bodies. After a restful sleep, we feel more balanced physically and mentally when we are awake. Sleep is so important, it can even increase our lifespan.
If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, simple Ayurveda rituals can help. Create a steady routine – go to bed at the same time every night. Before bed, slow down the body & mind. Drink herbal tea, massage the bottoms of your feet with sesame oil, and meditate
4. Herbs & Medicine
Your pantry can do more than just season delicious food. Herbs and spices have health benefits that can nourish your body.
• Pepper is filled with vitamin K, potassium, and iron. It’s a powerful digestive aid and can help ward-off colds.
• Licorice root may help reduce inflammation, fight viruses and bacteria, as well as promote oral health.
- Turmeric, Ayurveda’s “golden herb,” is a powerful antioxidant. It helps relieve excess heat in the body.
5. Connect With Nature
A closer proximity to nature can help us achieve a balanced state of health and mind. Spend time outdoors when exercising. Feel the earth beneath your feet, take walks, breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and observe nature’s constant state of change and renewal.
Nature helps us recognize that our bodies are also in a constant state of change and renewal. Nature is filled with wisdom and holds a profound state of connectedness.
