The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda spans over more than 5,000 years. There are many things that Ayurveda spoke of and recommended that modern science is confirming and speaking up on today. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of following a daily routine suited to our constitution and that aligns to the seasons of the year. This is how we find our rhythm and stay in a flow state. We operate best when we have a routine just like all of nature does. Having a routine doesn't mean that we have to be rigid or restrictive its quite the opposite. It should feel more expansive and liberating because we are operating from a grounded place and pace. Rituals get woven into our daily routine to help bring us back into the present moment, to be reminded of the positive impact that small moments of selfcare and presence can have in your life throughout your day. One thing that Ayurveda does really well is help to improve the quality of your life. It should be called the art of living well because that's exactly what it teaches you.
The foundation of Ayurveda is built around the five elements air, space, fire, water and earth that create and govern all life. Summer season is dominated by the fire element known as Pitta. The main qualities are described as heating, slightly oily, sensitive, pungent, transformative, light, penetrating, sharp, digestion, perception, joy, anger, frustration, yang, solar and masculine energies.
Your Ayurvedic summer daily routine and rituals is built around balancing these qualities, characteristics and energies to keep you balanced physically, mentally and emotionally during this peak season of the year. Think cooling, soothing, nourishing, calming, grounding, lubricating, softness, slowness, sweet, bitter, astringent, yin, moon, and feminine energy.
We have included options for your morning, afternoon and nighttime routine.
- walks in nature or under the moonlight
- outdoor activities- swimming, gardening, beach, bike riding
- make time to read, make arts & crafts, dance, bake, try a new hobby or do nothing at all
- cool showers
- use coconut oil for body massage and hair-oiling ritual
- work with essential oils like rose, lavender, sandalwood and vetiver
- spray rose water on your face and aloe vera on the body to cool and soothe heat exposure on the skin
- rose water eye wash cleansing ritual
- dress in soft fabrics in neutral, soft blue or green colors and silver jewelry
- listen to soft soothing music
- wear hats
- dress in clothing that protects the body from burning
- afternoon naps
Favor foods that are cooling, sweet, bitter and astringent. Herbal teas with coriander, fennel, licorice, rose, hibiscus and coconut water. Bitter greens, green vegetables, cucumbers, squashes, stone fruits, berries, salads, melons. Avoid ice cold water during meals, spicy, oily, fried, sour, acidic, salty, pungent foods.
Morning
Wake up 1 hour before sunrise
Tongue scrap, brush your teeth then mouth wash with sesame oil
Perform rose water eye wash ritual (eye cup, organic rose water)
Drink 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice
For exercise, light running, bike riding, walking, swimming, yoga. Sheetali pranayama (Cooling breath work) Avoid high intensity exercise at midday when temperatures are at the hottest.
Bath or shower- Massage body and scalp with coconut oil before bathing or showering. Cleanse and condition with Pitta Pro-aging balancing shampoo and conditioner. Apply essentials oils of rose, vetiver or sandalwood.
Breakfast 6am-10am
Afternoon
Lunch 10am-2pm (should be the biggest meal of the day when digestion is strongest). Sip on vetiver-infused water (recipe can be found here on The Journal), or cold tea infusions with hibiscus, rose and licorice root.
Perform rose water eye wash ritual
From 3pm-6pm is Vata time which means it's the best time to engage in something creative. Allow your inner child to come out and play!
Take a siesta
Evening
Dinner 5pm-8pm
Enjoy a relaxing bedtime tea with vetiver, passion vine, skullcap, lavender, chamomile, or tulsi-rose, lemon balm or lemon verbena.
Follow your skincare and oral wellness routine
Perform rose water eye wash ritual
Turn off all electronics 1 hour before bed
Take a moonlight stroll
Clean feet and massage with Brahmi oil
Journal to let go of worries, frustrations or conflicts from the day
Candle gazing meditation using Plantas Medicinas Ritual Candle in Pitta scent
Bed time by 10pm