10 Steps to Keep Healthy According to Ayurveda "The Science of Life"

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine, which translates to "the Study of Life." It adopts a natural approach to health and well-being, recognizing that humans are an integral part of nature. 

Each individual possesses unique life forces, known as Doshas, and is connected to the universe. An imbalance in one area can impact another, potentially leading to illness if not addressed.

Ayurvedic practices primarily involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and natural therapies to restore balance and promote health. Adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being, alleviate chronic conditions, enhance memory, decelerate aging, and bolster mental health. 

It can be practiced by individuals of all ages and varying physical conditions.

Try these 10 Ayurvedic practices to enhance your mental and physical well-being:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Food should not only nourish the body but also bring joy to the mind. Your diet should include essential food groups and a healthy balance of all macronutrients and micronutrients. 

It's best to avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible. A balanced diet aids in maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing obesity. 

Moreover, by forming a deeper connection with your food, you'll better understand your body's needs. Warm foods are more easily digested than cold ones and stimulate our 'Agni' or digestive fire. 

Large quantities of liquids during meals should be avoided, as they weaken the digestive fire.

2. Eat until you 75% full

Ayurveda suggests that eating less is a reliable method to prolong life. Our society often engages in mindless eating, not chewing food thoroughly, resulting in overeating and feelings of discomfort and excessive fullness. Ideally, one should not feel heavy, bloated, or lethargic after a meal. 

By eating only until we are about 75% full, we can feel content, light, and alert, promoting proper digestion and enhancing longevity.

3. Choose locally grown produce

Opt for foods that are grown and harvested locally, which travel shorter distances to reach you. Make an effort to include a variety of local and seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. 

The produce at local farmers' markets is often picked within the past 24 hours, ensuring freshness, superior nutrition, and enhanced flavour. 

Fruits and vegetables are most nutrient-dense when ripe, as they begin to lose nutrients shortly after harvest. In contrast, supermarket produce is frequently imported and may spend several days in transit and storage before it's available for purchase. 

Supporting local businesses allows you to access fresher, higher-quality items that haven't been transported from distant locations.

4. Keep active

Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for both physical and mental well-being. It's not necessary to run marathons or have lengthy gym sessions to remain healthy. Incorporating simple activities into your daily life can keep you active. Opt for walking or cycling whenever possible. 

Choose stairs over elevators. These choices not only help you stay in shape but also reduce pollution. Rather than online shopping, visit the market to get some physical activity. Additionally, practicing yoga can be an excellent way to begin a healthy exercise routine.

5. Replace chemical with natural products

Avoiding artificial and chemical products is advisable as they can gradually harm your health. Synthetic chemicals are present in almost everything we use, including personal care items. 

Certain chemicals in cosmetics can pose risks even in very low doses by interfering with our hormonal systems. Long-term exposure to these chemicals is believed by scientists to be potentially harmful. Fortunately, there are numerous natural alternatives to conventional cosmetics, skincare, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and pet products. 

Shifting to these can be easy, and locally produced natural products often come at much lower prices without the damaging effects of harsh chemicals.

6. Detox your body

We are continually exposed to pollution and chemicals that build up in our bodies, leading to harmful side effects and accelerated aging. 

Detoxifying our bodies periodically is crucial to enhance our internal health. To detoxify, avoid processed foods, red meat, caffeine, alcohol, synthetic foods, and artificial sweeteners. 

Opt for green vegetables, antioxidants, fruits, and certain grains that are easily digestible and aid in toxin elimination. Fasting is another effective detox method; it supports gut health and helps prevent obesity and diabetes. 

Consider fasting for 12-14 hours weekly to experience the benefits of this detoxification method. However, it's not suitable for everyone, so if you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor.

7. Meditate

Ayurveda places significant emphasis on the well-being of the soul and spirit, alongside physical and mental health. According to Ayurvedic practicess, nurturing our body, mind, soul, and spirit is essential for personal growth, making overall health a priority. 

Daily meditation is highly recommended for enhancing focus, concentration, and memory. Additionally, taking time for self-reflection and contemplation about one's life, decisions, objectives, and aspirations is crucial for personal development and making informed choices.

8. Surround yourself with Nature

We are an essential part of Nature. Daily immersion in nature shifts our focus beyond the self and helps us realize our connection to the universe. We engage with our existence through all our senses. 

Nature comforts and restores our nervous system, encouraging us to bond with something greater than ourselves. It reminds us that we are not just "this body" or "this mind," but that we are complete and interconnected. 

A stroll in the forest, by the sea or alongside a river cleanses us of worries, anxiety and stress, which often degrade rather than strengthen us.

9. Prioritise your sleep

Ayurveda regards sleep as a fundamental instinct of life, vital for all living beings. It is necessary for the rejuvenation and revitalization of our body, mind, and spirit. 

Within Ayurveda, sleep is considered one of the three pillars of optimal health, referred to as Nidra. The other two are nutrition (Ahara) and the control over sexual energy (Brahmacharya). A proper balance of these three elements is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

The Ayurvedic clock suggests that the ideal routine is to wake up before dawn and to sleep before 10 p.m., aligning with the Kapha period, which brings about natural heaviness in the body. 

Additionally, it is recommended to allow at least a 2-hour interval between dinner and bedtime. Ideally, dinner should be at 7 p.m. For those who dine late, it is advised to choose a light meal and to eat it 2 hours before sleeping.

10. Enhance your intimate life

Regardless of frequency, Ayurveda can be utilized to deepen your bond with your partner. A fulfilling intimate life stems from connection and trust. 

It's important to foster a secure environment where both partners can share their emotions, discuss what ignites and douses their passion, and evolve together. Intimacy begins well before the bedroom; it's in the shared morning coffee or tea, the joint grocery runs, the moments spent with children, and preparing meals together. 

Simple acts like hand-holding, prolonged embraces, and gentle words all contribute to a profound connection.

You can live a healthy and meaningful life according to Ayurveda principles. It is absolutely possible and suitable for everyone no matter the age, schedule or location. All it takes is a few simple and easy changes, which you can incorporate, in your daily life.

Try it, you won’t be disappointed of the effect!

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