As the back-to-school season arrives, establishing a fall routine helps reset the nervous system after those free floating days of summer. A well-structured daily routine helps regulate our digestive system, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being and productivity. Over the years, September feels more like the start of the New Year than January does. (Maybe because I’m now a mom!)
What is a routine?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “routine” (the noun) as “the normal order and way in which you regularly do things.” The Webster English Dictionary defines it as “a regular course of procedure.” The word “routine” is actually borrowed from the French language and stems from the word “route” or “road.” Thus, a routine can also be thought of as a well-trodded path. Being creative and impulsive by nature, I used to cringe at the thought of doing things the same way, every day. I mean, where’s the fun in that?
Thanks to Ayurveda, I have learned more about who I am and how to channel / conserve my energy. By experimenting with biohacking principles, I have further discovered the benefits of ‘working smarter, not harder’ by tracking and maintaining certain ways of eating, exercising and living that optimize my mental and physical potential.
In a border sense, a certain level of routine or consistency is necessary in order to function both individually as a human (inhale/ exhale, food in / energy out, rest/ action, etc.) and externally as a community (Example: We obey traffic laws in order to get from point A to B as safely and as efficiently as possible).
Ancient Ayurvedic Routines
From an Ayurvedic perspective, routine, or Dinacharya, is essential for balancing the body’s natural rhythms with the cycles of nature.
Aligning our activities with the circadian rhythm of the day and night is hugely important in Ayurveda. Ayurveda suggests rising early, ideally before sunrise. This may not be possible for you. It isn’t for me. With the exception of my Mysore yoga days in the early 2000s, I’ve always struggled with waking up early. Regular practice of meditation is very helpful for this as is developing regularity by sleeping, waking, and eating at the same times each day. (Often harder than it sounds.)
Morning routines are big in Ayurveda. Starting the day with practices like tongue scraping and yoga stimulates the digestive system and prepares the body for the day ahead. Regular meal times is emphasized as this supports digestion and metabolic processes. Evening routines and calming activities, like meditation or a warm bath, help prepare the body and mind for restful sleep.
Seasonal changes are also closely followed in Ayurveda. For example, as fall approaches, cleansing the body of the access heat & humidity (Pitta) acquired over the summer is highly beneficial. We do this with bitter herbs like milk thistle and Bhumyamalaki, as other pitta pacifying practices to improve the function of the liver, rebalance hormones and reduce inflammation.
This said, ayurveda promotes an individual approach to health based on our dosha (ayurvedic constitution). Depending on which dosha is out of balance, there are foods and activities to avoid and others to favour. (Click here to learn more about the doshas)
Biohacking & Modern Technology to boost Routines
Biohacking principles also promote an individual approach to health and routine. Biohackers most commonly do this through DNA analysis and through technology. I have yet to do a DNA analysis (not sure I believe it’s necessary for me). But, I do wear an Oura Ring that tracks my sleep patterns, steps, heart rate and menstrual cycle.
Technology can be great for tracking sleep, step, stress levels While it shares some common ground with Ayurveda, biohacking often involves more personalized approaches, such as tracking sleep patterns with wearable devices or adjusting meal times based on intermittent fasting protocols. Both disciplines value the importance of a morning routine, though biohackers might also incorporate supplements or nootropics to enhance cognitive function.
Evening routines in biohacking may include blue light blocking and mindfulness apps to ensure quality sleep.
Five ayurvedic & biohacking tips for a successful fall routine
1. Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ayurveda recommends going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to align with natural circadian rhythms, a concept that biohackers also prioritize for optimizing sleep quality and overall health.
2. Morning Rituals: Both Ayurveda and biohacking emphasize the importance of a structured morning routine. Ayurveda suggests practices like tongue scraping and oil pulling, while biohackers might incorporate hydration, meditation, or cold exposure to jumpstart the day.
3. Mindful Eating: Ayurveda advocates eating mindfully at regular times, focusing on digestion and the body’s natural hunger cues. Similarly, biohackers often emphasize the importance of eating with intention, using methods like intermittent fasting or personalized nutrition to optimize metabolism.
4. Stress Management: Ayurveda includes practices like meditation, yoga, and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to manage stress and enhance mental clarity. Biohackers also prioritize stress reduction through mindfulness practices, biofeedback, or supplements that support cognitive function and emotional balance.
5. Personalized Health: Ayurveda recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, tailoring lifestyle and dietary recommendations to one’s specific dosha (body constitution). Biohacking shares this personalized approach, using data and self-experimentation to optimize health and performance based on individual needs and genetic predispositions.
End notes
Ayurveda offers a holistic, time-tested approach rooted in natural rhythms. Biohacking provides tools for fine-tuning and optimizing routine based on individual needs and data. Combining these practices can create a powerful, personalized routine that supports both health and productivity as you navigate the demands of the back-to-school season.
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in Ayurveda and biohacking, I can in the helping you create and maintain a personalized routine.