5 Ayurvedic Practices for Energy and Well-Being

Drink a large glass of warm water with organic lemon juice upon rising.

This helps turn on your digestive system. If you need a little more oomph, you can also try adding a little fresh grated ginger to your lemon water. Ginger is venerated for its cleansing properties and ability to fire up the digestive system.

Eat only when hungry, and strive to eat 3 meals a day with no snacking.

This practice allows your digestive fire, referred to as “agni” in Ayurveda, to fully digest the previous meal, and re-charge before eating again. For some people who require more frequent meals, this may be modified. Listen to your body’s needs.

Eat an early and light dinner.

Going to bed with a full belly is one of the sure fire ways to wake up feeling tired and sluggish. Our body’s digestive system is aligned with the sun, and it naturally starts to slow down in the evening hours. Capitalize on your natural bio-circadian rhythms by eating your main meal when the sun is highest in the sky (between 12 to 2 pm), and then a light dinner, ideally by 6 pm.

Eat until you are energized.

Learn to recognize that special sweet spot where you are energized, but not stuffed. You may feel like you could still eat more, but remember that it takes 20 minutes for your body to fully digest a meal. The Ayurvedic tradition recommends eating until we are two-thirds of the way full. If you cannot stop eating until you are stuffed, then there may be some other underlying emotional issues that need your attention and care. Be compassionate with yourself as you explore those, and seek out support.

Eat organic foods that are in season and preferably local.

There is so much research on the power of organic, locally produced foods free of toxins that this is a no-brainer. Take steps to make this a reality for your family–increase your food budget, grow your own fruits and vegetables, or search out local sources of high quality foods.