Incorporate the ancient holistic art of Ayurveda into your daily routine to create balance and harmony
During self-isolation, with our immediate future shrouded in uncertainty, few of us may have given much thought to the idea of achieving inner balance.
Indeed, cultivating the ability to cope with the current difficulties is as admirable as it is essential. However, by incorporating just a few elements of the age old Indian homeopathic science of Ayurveda into your daily life, you may find that you’re able to garner a greater sense of enjoyment and tranquillity from your new normal, whilst setting yourself up in terms of your physical health.
BodyHoliday’s top tips to living a more balanced and holistic life through practising Ayurveda
Developed in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is widely regarded as one of the oldest health sciences in existence. Translating from Sanskrit to mean ‘the science of life’, Ayurveda is founded on the idea of curating an equilibrium between body, mind and spirit in order to perpetuate good health, both physically and psychologically.
In its essence, Ayurveda philosophy is the metaphysical approach to wellbeing which encapsulates the idea that emotional trauma and stress can play a huge part when it comes to our physical wellbeing, and vice versa. In order to maintain good health and prevent poor wellbeing, the practice incorporates a number of effective holistic approaches to thinking, diet and lifestyle which will help us achieve the coveted balance between the physical, the mental, and the spiritual.
Right now, with perhaps more time on our hands than ever before, trying out a few simple and enjoyable Ayurveda practices could be just the thing to promote a greater sense of calm and give us a boost physically, as we navigate our way through these unusual times.
With this in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of five Ayurveda-based practices which you can try at home:
- Pranayama breathing techniques
Taking just 20 minutes out of your day to practice a few breathing exercises is such a simple way to soothe the mind and create inner peace. Follow BodyHoliday’s Body Science Leader, Dr Maha Lakshmanan, as he talks us through breathing exercises which will not only relieve stress, but also provide myriad other health benefits - Nidra
Known in layman’s terms as ‘good sleep’, Nidra is fundamental in Ayurveda for its restorative effects when it comes to the body’s balance. From using calming fragrances to gentle bedtime stretches, discover our tips to getting a good night’s sleep - Whip up a home remedy
A number of the store cupboard essentials can hold immense gravitas in Ayurveda when it comes to their health and wellbeing properties. In this video, Dr Maha talks us through how to make an immune-boosting tea, full to the brim with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits - Daily exercise
Not only heralded by the government as integral when it comes to our health and wellbeing, Ayurveda encourages a good long walk as a means to calm the mind and nourish the senses without putting excessive strain on the body
- A good diet
Ensuring we’re eating the right foods will not only give us a helping hand when it comes to the immune system, it can also facilitate improved skin, lessen migraines and reduce anxiety, amongst other things. Follow BodyHoliday’s Executive Chef, Alan Wichert, here as he shares his health-giving recipe for Singapore noodles
