By now you’ve read all the blogs and articles on how to transition from working at an office to working at home. Have video meetings, set up a designated space to work, take regular breaks. But are you teleworking intentionally?
We have been forced into creating a new routine, starting new habits, so why not take this opportunity to do it intentionally? According to the practice of Ayurveda, there is a natural rhythm to our body that creates balance. Disrupting this balance creates stress. Typically, most of us live such a structured life, that we don’t have the luxury to shift. However, during this time of mandated work-from-home, this is the perfect time to try living within these natural cycles to lessen physical and emotional stress.
Simply put, there are 3 natural cycles called doshas. These cycles happen twice in a 24 hour period and bring with them an energy that promotes different activities. You will notice that it is nothing earth shattering — we experience these cycles without even realizing it. However, a lot of the time, we push against it. We force ourselves to workout when our energy levels are naturally low, we push ourselves to be creative when our brains are wanting to move fast. What would happen if we just went with the flow?
Ayurveda Daily Routine
2-6 a.m. Vata: Decreasing Energy, Resting, Becoming More Spiritual
For most of us, we are sleeping during this cycle. However, if you have a spiritual practice, enjoy journaling, or meditate, this is the perfect time. Consider setting your alarm for 5:45 a.m. and doing a 15 minute practice.
6-10 a.m. Kapha: Awakening, Emerging, Connection, Stabilizing
The energy is pretty heavy during this time, so think slow and steady. It is a good time for a run or power walk before having routine meetings like morning check-ins.
10 a.m. -2 p.m. Pitta: Producing, Moving, Digesting
This is what I like to refer to as “get stuff done” time. Those 10 minute tasks that keep piling up, do them now! Plan to cross projects and chores off your to do list. This is the time to do logical thinking and strategic planning and a great time for focus.
2-6 p.m. Vata
As the cycles repeat themselves in the afternoon/evening, notice how we harness and use the energy differently. In the morning, the low energy of Vata is used for inward reflection, as our energy goes down again in the afternoon, use this time to brainstorm and be creative. Try to avoid meetings or doing anything that requires a lot of focus.
6-10 p.m. Kapha
The heavy energy of the morning cycle gives way to prime time to connect to family and a self care routine. Use this time to wind down from the day — shut down the computer, read a book, take a bath, and journal.
10 p.m.-2 a.m. Pitta
This natural cycle is for our body — our body’s cleansing and restorative functions peak at this time. Try to be in bed by 10pm so that your body can restore itself.
It is interesting to see how our bodies try to follow this rhythm, yet our usual schedules cause us to resist where our energy levels are directing us. During any other time, this would feel overwhelming to me — to make this shift. But, during a time where my daily routine has to change and as someone who loves structure, I’m excited to notice the stress-relieving benefits. Be it Ayurveda, or adjusting your typical workflow in other ways, working from home presents a unique opportunity to disrupt your “normal”, try something new, and find your optimal level of productivity.
