In the purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.10.10, Srila Prabhupada explains how irregular habits, overeating, excessive sense gratification and an artificial standard of living, sap the vitality and shorten our duration of life. Therefore, keeping a healthy body and mind, is helpful to develop our spiritual consciousness.

Ayurveda provides a foundation for living a healthy, balanced life. Dinacarya, an aspect of Ayurveda outlines simple practices that we can perform on a daily basis to promote optimal health and wellness.

Dinacharya — a daily routine — is absolutely necessary to bring change in our body, mind, and consciousness. It balances our constitution; regulates our biological clock, aids digestion in absorption and assimilation; increases self-esteem, improves discipline and brings about peace, happiness, and longevity.

Ayurveda tells us that on any given day, there are two cycles of change that exist: the sun and moon cycle – connected with the Ayurvedic body types or doshas (vata, pitta or kapha). Dinacarya helps align us with nature’s cycles in order to keep your doshas (biological energies of the body and mind) balanced, and your agni (digestion and metabolism) in proper order.

Dinacharya helps us understand the best time for our daily routine like waking, exercise, bathing, meditation, prayer, meals, study, work, relaxation, and sleeping. When followed correctly, it will enable us to make the most of life by strengthening immunity and purifying the body of wastes.