Fall Circadian Training - where to start

October is a thick, busy time. We’re all counting days to break and fantasizing about slowing down.

Yet, it’s the time of year when colds, insomnia, bloating and self destructive default programming are in full swing.

Self care needs to be minimal, yet effective My recommendation: circadian training.

How we set up our rhythms determines how healthy and balanced we feel during the Season of sickness. The best prevention for colds, anxiety, insomnia - all common Vata symptoms - is solid circadian training.

Don’t know where to start? Here is my simple Fall prescription:

1. Train your wake-sleep cycle

Train your body to be ready for rest with a consistent bedtime. Aim for a set wake time too and your inner clock will make every bodily function more efficient. Wake with sunlight, Use low warm light after sunset.

Ayurveda hack: go to bed before midnight for anti-aging

2. Sit down meals

Even if it lasts a few minutes, sitting down and ONLY eating improves digestion and immunity. Put away your screen, chew your food.

Ayurveda hack: take a few minutes to lay on your left side or walk after eating

3. Bedtime ritual

Unwind your brain and body with short self care practices to cue the body for rest.

Ayurveda hack: simple self massage and golden milk

4. Add sensory cues to key moments in your day

Smells, tastes, and sounds set our inner clock. Use them to signal rhythms for rest/productivity.

Ayurveda hacks: smudging, essential oils, music

5. Avoid extremes

We’re human and will have things which throw us off our usual rhythm. It’s okay. Aim to minimize the deviation, and accept the occasional late night or sleep in without guilt.

Ayurveda hack: there’s always something to balance whatever poor choice you made whether that’s an herbal tea or a lighter dinner. Bring in the balancing tool and get back on rhythm.

Focus on building lifestyle rhythms. You will feel better, your body will function better, and it’s anti-aging. Yup, we’re balancing Vata with all of the above, which reduces degenerative rates and prevents disease. Think back to ancestors with super solid life routines that supported them more than pharmaceuticals ever could.

I know this may sound too good to be true. But, really, it works. Commit to two weeks of the above prescription, and tell me if you don’t notice that you feel better.

Moving to the beat of my own rhythm,

Dr. Siva