Ever wondered why some days feel like a breeze while others drag on like a slow-motion movie? Enter the Ayurvedic Clock, your backstage pass to understand the ebb and flow of energy throughout the day.
Most of us break the day into work time, our time, and sleep time. Ayurveda sees the day differently, breaking it into six four-hour zones—one day zone and one night zone for each of the three doshas. To live a balanced life—and enjoy the good health it brings—we need to keep our daily rhythms set to the time-tested Ayurvedic clock.
According to this age-old wisdom, the day starts at sunrise, with the cool, heavy, earthy Kapha dosha lasts from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The middle of the day—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—belongs to pitta, the hot, sharp, and fiery “king of digestion” dosha. And light, dry, airy Vata rules the afternoon, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., after which the cycle begins again.
Rise and Shine:
The day kicks off at sunrise, as the cool, grounding energy of kapha sets the stage from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It's the perfect time to greet the day, ideally waking before the sun to tap into the mobile, clear qualities of Vata. Trust me; hitting snooze until 7 a.m. might sound tempting, but you'll start feeling the weight of kapha's influence on your body and mind. Aim to rise with the dawn, around 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m., and embrace the morning light as you set the tone for your day. This is also the easiest time to connect with higher realms, that’s why most people suggest meditating first time in the morning.
Midday Dinner:
As the sun climbs higher, pitta—the fiery dosha of transformation—takes the reins from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the most productive time of the day, so schedule tasks that require the highest focus for this time of the day. This is also prime time for your main meal, as pitta supports digestion in all its forms—food, thoughts, and feelings. Eating later in the day can throw your digestive fire off balance, so make midday your culinary highlight and opt for a lighter supper as the evening approaches.
Vata Voyage:
From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Vata takes the reins with its light, dry, airy vibes. It's like a gentle breeze to carry us through the afternoon slump. If we are not doing the day right, this is the time we crave sugar and caffeine. We have zero focus to get some more work done. It’s a good idea to take a walk and have a little break. Try to schedule your meetings between this time of the day as they don’t require your highest focus. It’s a good time to chat with others.
Wind Down Slowly:
Come 6 p.m., we transition back to kapha territory, where the slow, stable energy of the evening encourages us to unwind and prepare for rest. If you're attuned, you'll feel the subtle shift in your body and mind, signaling the call for a good night's sleep. Kapha types, in particular, tend to embrace early bedtimes, and there's wisdom in following suit. Listen some uplifting music and spend your time with your loved ones. Avoid screentime as it can set you off of your natural rhythm.
Resist That Second Wind:
Around 10 p.m., the fiery vigor of pitta takes center stage, initiating a four-hour window dedicated to digestion, repair, and renewal. Stay up past this point, and you might find yourself caught in a second wind that sabotages your chances of a restful night's sleep. Embrace the call of slumber and allow your body to recharge for the day ahead.
After the 10 PM - 2 AM Pitta time, Vata takes over again from 2 AM - 6 AM, completing a full cycle. You will be amazed how much easier for your body and mind to follow nature’s rhythm. If you go with the flow you will find extra energy as a reward, if you swim against the current you will pay energy for it and your health will show it too.
Best Times for Skincare:
Morning and evening present opportune moments to lavish your skin with care. Post-morning meditation and self-massage, your skin is primed to soak in the goodness of our Ayurvedic Vitamin C serum. The increased blood flow enhances absorption, leaving your skin radiant and rejuvenated to face the day.
As evening descends and Kapha reigns supreme, indulge in your skincare ritual once more. Apply our Vitamin C serum before bedtime and let it work its magic overnight. As you drift into a restful slumber, your skin drinks in the nourishment, ensuring you wake up glowing and refreshed.
So, while aligning with the Ayurvedic clock might seem like a tall order in our fast-paced lives, the rewards are worth it. From better sleep to glowing skin, embracing these ancient rhythms can lead to a life of balance and vitality.
Ready to synchronize your soul with the symphony of nature? Start by honoring the rhythms of the Ayurvedic clock—and let your skin thank you later.
And for those restless nights, why not try an Ayurvedic bedtime routine? Turn off the screens, indulge in self-reflection, and treat yourself to a soothing foot massage or a warm cup of spiced milk. Trust me; your body—and your skin—will thank you for it.
with Radiant Love,
Ditti
Main artwork by Swati Rawat. You can purchase it in her Etsy store here.
