Your lifestyle today determines the state of your health in the future. How you live each day counts in the long run. Follow these five simple rules to ensure you live a healthier, better and longer life.
- Wake up early
The first thing that you do is get up from the bed. And this one small habit determines the state of our health! Confused how?
What time we get up affects our body. Ayurveda says to get up at Brahmi muhurta i.e. 48 minutes prior to the sunrise. Waking up at this hour has tremendous good effects on the body. The environment has nascent oxygen which increases anti-oxidants in the body, there is calmness and silence all around which brings peace to the mind. Recent studies have shown that waking up early pacifies the nervous systems and regulates the metabolisms. It helps to regulate the Vata Dosha in the body which ensures proper excretion of feces, urine early morning leading to a blissful day.
- Eat healthy, on time
Our body is fueled by the food that is provided to the stomach. Healthy, fresh food are important for a nutritious body. Food should always be fresh, organic and hot while being consumed. Also, it is equally important to have food ‘on time’ i.e. at mealtimes when you feel the hunger. Our body has a wonderful phenomenon of signaling us its need, in terms of hunger, thirst, sleep etc. We should learn to recognize these signals and cater to the needs of the body accordingly. Munching snacks throughout the day, eating at odd hours affects the digestive system and hampers the digestion process, which in the long run leads to formation of many diseases. Hence, it is important to eat fresh, eat healthy and eat on time.
- Drink sufficient water
Water is one of the essentials of the body. It helps to keep the body hydrated. It maintains the balance of body fluids essential for functions like digestion, circulation, temperature regulation etc. It also helps in detoxification by removing waste from the body via excreta and sweat. Hence it is important to drink sufficient water. But only sufficient, neither excess nor less. How to know the quantity? Ayurveda says to observe the body signals. Water should be consumed only when thirsty, and along with food. Drinking liters of water can also lead to problems in the long run. The water requirement of a child differs from that of an adult, of a person living in dry region differs from that of someone living in chilly regions, summer needs are different from winter needs and also depends on the body constitution of each person. Hence, the best way to identify is to know when you feel thirsty and consume water (preferably boiled) accordingly, for better health.
- Keep calm, Chill on
What you believe, you become. You might have heard this proverb. It is not applicable to just mind and personality, but also applies to the physical body. Ayurveda talks about three kinds of mentality (Satva)-namely Pravara, Avara and Madhyama meaning strong mentality, weak and moderate accordingly. These play a major role in how the diseases affect the human body. A person with strong mentality is less prone to diseases than the others. Because the mind is linked to body and positive, happy thinking acts as an invisible barrier against the diseases. Thus, it is very important to be calm, not get stressed and live happily for a healthy, long life. Researches also say that those who lead a happy life tend to live healthily for a long time. You might have heard about Ogimi village of Japan, where happiness is the secret to longevity. Its high time we stop letting stress take control of our lives, of our health, isn’t it?
- Sleep Early, Sleep Right
Sleep is a very essential habit impacting both mental and physical health. During sleep, body restores tissues, cells, metabolism slows down, immune system develops, cognitive functions sharpen and regulates hormone. The timing and method of sleep is very crucial to ensure these actions occur properly. How to ensure that proper sleep is attained? Sleeping early is a primordial requirement. Out circadian rhythm is in tune with the nature around us and sleeping early helps to maintain this balance. The place should be soft, cozy, clean and comfortable, with dimmed lights/dark environment. Ayurveda instructs that while sleeping, little amount of oil should be applied to the sole of the feet and massaged for a better sleep. These small habits assure that body gets a good night’s sleep and is ready for the next day’s activities.
Following these small changes in one’s life establishes a healthy routine paving way for a better, brighter life ahead.
