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Mild exercise
Daily exercise increases circulation and oxygenation of the tissues, strengthens agni, tones the body, reduces fat
and enhances vitality. Determine the best time to exercise and what form of exercise to practice with
consideration to your prakriti (constitutional type) and the effects of the seasons. For example, in the fall, a vata
person should exercise during the kapha time of day, to take advantage of kapha’s grounding and stable qualities.
Choose an activity that is soothing to the nervous system like yoga or tai ch i.
Meditation
Just as we cleanse our bodies each day, we must also cleanse our minds of accumulated thoughts that no longer
serve us. Be still. Direct your attention inward. Notice your breath. Practice pranayama. Meditate for twenty
minutes or simply invite calm and relaxation into the body if time is limited. This practice acts as a protective
shield to the destabilizing influences of the external environment.
Aerobic exercise
The next morning period is Kapha which has the qualities of heaviness, slowness and stability – th e later a
person awakes after dawn the more of these qualities he imbibes within his physiology and carries with him for
the rest of the day. Kapha time (especially between 7am and 10am) is the best time for more physical exercise,
such as jogging, swimming or cycling.
Work and lunch
10am to 2pm, when pitta predominates, is the most productive time for work, especially for problem solving or
completing tasks that requires your full attention and focus. It is also the time when the sun is at its peak and
when the digestive fire or agni is at its strongest. It is therefore the ideal time to eat the largest meal of the day.
Eating at this time will allow efficient and maximum digestion, assimilation and metabolism. Proper absorption
of minerals, vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates will result in efficient energy production and feelings of
strength and alertness. It follows that there will also be less desire for snacking and overeating if the diet
contains adequate nutrition and the ability to properly assimilate it. A short, leisurely stroll shortly after lunch
will also aid digestion.
Cr eative wor k
Vata comes around again during the afternoon. This is a good time for mental agility and creative work. Vata
types may experience a drop in energy at this time and a small snack is valuable for them.
Even in g meal
Only light meals should be eaten in the evenings (toast, rice, semolina, milk drinks, noodles, soup etc). It is
important to have allowed enough time for your previous meal t o have been digested thoroughly (generally 4
h o u r s ) but should ideally be taken before sundown and at least three hours before bedtime.
Relaxation
The next Kapha period begins in the early evening. The heavy, slow, stable qualities of this dosha increase as
the evening progresses and reach their peak a couple of hours before midnight. In order to imbibe these qualities
and ensure a sound, heavy, undisturbed and restful sleep one should be in bed before this period ends. Evening
is a kapha energy period and is a time to relax, engage in pleasant conversation with family or friends, read light
novels or play gentle, soothing music. It is a time to unwind from the stimulation and activity of the day. About
half an hour before bedtime is the perfect time to take Triphala tea to gentle tone and balance to the digestive
tr act.
Bathing
Ayurveda sees bathing as a therapeutic activity and the evening is a good time to partake in this therapy. A
leisurely bath relaxes tense muscles, irons out a creased brow, opens clogged pores, restores moisture to the
tissues, and adds a healing dimension to your day. It enhances physical energy levels and improves mental