Dinacharya is referenced quite a lot throughout the platform and I’m aware that many people may not be familiar with the term and also why it’s important so I wanted to take some time to explain.

Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga and is about helping us to navigate this ever changing world - phases / cycles  / seasons. With a strong focus on nature, the teachings of ayurveda are often about doing particular things at particular times, as opposed to all people doing something at any one time (e.g. no broadcast statements of this food is good for everyone and should be eating lots, always). For example, Ayurveda would recognise a change in season to be a good time for a cleanse; eating more augmenting food during the cold winter months (or while pregnant); taking part in slow, calming, gentle activities (like sleep, meditation or bathing) while it’s dark outside.

Dinacharya is a sanskrit word which translates “to follow the knowledge of the day”. It is believed that the hours around midday have the most energy, due to the sun being highest in the sky so this is where it is advised we eat our biggest meal of the day. Before that we are still building and after that we are steadily winding down.

I believe dinacharya to be a crucial element in feeling grounded. Stress and anxiety can cause havoc in the menstrual cycle and at its core, perhaps the body doesn’t feel safe enough to reproduce. Following a simple routine helps our whole system to feel more safe, supported and content. A dinacharya that suits you is one of the first things I would recommend for fertility.

There are no external guidelines that you have to fit your day into, as that wouldn't be sustainable at all. I can provide here a very rough outline that hopefully feels doable and accessible.

• Wake before (or around) sunrise

• Start the day by detoxing (via bladder, bowels, tongue, skin, nose)

• Do something nourishing and grounding e.g. self massage, a guided meditation or simply a few conscious breaths

• Get your body moving (join us for a 15 minutes flow)

• Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at roughly the same time each day

• Spend time in nature every day; breathe the air, feel the wind/rain/sun, touch the flowers/acorns/grass

• When it gets dark, start to wind down by moving into slower, more gentle activities

• Head to bed at roughly the same time each night

Perhaps these look very simple to you. If so, brilliant! If you can use these rough guidelines to create a personal dinacharya that works for your lifestyle and actually stick to it each day, the result will be potentially subtle yet profound (and I’d go as far as saying, possibly even life changing).

On the platform , we have a whole Dinacharya section which includes short yoga practices for mindfulness, clarity, calm and balance found through meditation, massage and movement. What's important to you in this phase of life? Connect to what that is and create a sustainable dinacharya that will support that. Seemingly small daily actions are the ones that really matter.