Dinacharya: Building Your Personalized Ayurvedic Routine

If you read our last blog, you are now informed on what is a dinacharya. but how do you create your own daily routine, tailored just right for your lifestyle and health? There are quite a few factors to take into account when creating your daily routine and I am going to try my best to make the process as simple as possible.

Creating Your Dinacharya

There are several factors to consider when building your dinacharya. One of the most important is Brahma Muhurta.

Brahma Muhurta refers to the quiet, transitional periods around sunrise and sunset. During these times, the environment is calm and especially supportive of mental clarity. According to Dr. Vasant Lad, the air is filled with sattva, making it an ideal time for self-reflection, meditation, and spiritual practice.

Try waking during the morning Brahma Muhurta and, in the evening, minimizing exposure to electronic devices and artificial light during this same transitional period.

The Dosha Clock

Another helpful framework is the dosha clock, which reflects how the doshas dominate different periods of the day. Since the doshas influence organ function and physiological processes, being aware of their timing can help you structure your day more effectively.

Dosha Clock (changes every 4 hours and repeats):

• 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Kapha

• (Ideally wake up before 6:00 AM)

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Pitta

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Vata

• 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Kapha

  (Ideally be asleep before 10:00 PM)

• 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM: Pitta

• 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM: Vata

Sample Dinacharya Routine

• Wake up before 6:00 AM

• Wash face

• Tongue scraping

• Oil pulling

• Nasya

• Ear oiling

• Abhyanga (body oil massage)

• Warm lemon water

• Elimination

• Yoga

• Bath

• Breakfast (around 8:00 AM)

• Lunch (around midday; this should be the largest meal)

• Dinner (6:00 PM)

• Evening meditation

• Evening bath

• Bedtime (generally before 10:00 PM)

Remember to adjust this sample routine to suit your individual needs. For example, you may prefer to practice abhyanga after an evening bath rather than in the morning. Do not hesitate to incorporate dinacharya gradually if following the full routine feels overwhelming.

Consistency—not perfection—is the key to establishing a stable, healthy lifestyle aligned with nature’s rhythms.

Wishing you all the best as we journey into the new year.Namaste