The Ayurvedic Clock – By Justine Rintoul

Do you have a favourite time of the day? When do you feel most vibrant and alive?

In Ayurveda there is a clock for energy. There is an optimal time of day for different activities.When we look at the world through the lens of Ayurveda everything is made up of the elements earth, water, fire, air and ether.

The 5 elements are condensed into 3 Doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata = Ether + Air
Pitta = Fire + Water
Kapha = Earth + Water

At different times of the day, these different elements are present which creates certain energies. They are:
Vata – the subtle wind energy is active between 2-6am/pm
Kapha – nourishing water energy is active from 6-10am/pm
Pitta – transforming fire energy is active from 10-2am/pm

What does this mean?
When we match our activities to make the most of energies naturally present we have a routine for feeling vibrant and alive. This is what it’s like to be in sync, to go with the flow, to be in rhythm with Mother Nature. This is common sense, which is not that common!
An example of an Ayurvedic daily routine would look like:

Day
6am/sunrise – 10am
This is when KAPHA energy is present, there is heaviness in the air, you may notice dew on the grass, sluggishness if you stay in bed too late. The best activities for this time are:

o Wake up, hydrate, eliminate
o Drink warm water and lemon
o Move your body for at least 20min
o Meditate

10am – 2pm
This is PITTA time, it’s when the sun is at it’s hottest, it’s also when our digestion is the strongest.

o Eat the largest meal of the day
o This is a good time for strategy work

2pm – 6pm/sunset
This is VATA time, a time of movement and connection.

o A great time for meetings
o Send emails and communicate with others

Night- 6pm/sunset – 10pm
This is KAPHA time, there is a sticky cohesive quality, a time to bond with family and friends.

o Finish work around 6pm and unplug
o Eat a light meal
o Engage in activities that bring you joy
o Go to sleep around 10pm

10pm – 2am
This is PITTA time

o Sleep at this time to allow for organ healing and restoration

2am – 6am/Sunrise
VATA time again, there is a light, mobile quality in the air

o Now is a time for active dreaming
o This is a healing time for the immune and nervous systems