As summer is about to say goodbye, children are excited to go back to school, meet old friends, and make new memories. Parents also start preparing for school supplies and uniforms. However, one thing that should be considered along with this is child health and overall well-being.

In this modern world, where everyone is running behind at work, keeping our children healthy and energetic has become challenging. 

But no worries! Ayurveda is here for your rescue. It offers simple, natural solutions to help your child thrive academically and socially. So whether it's boosting their immunity, improving focus, or ensuring a balanced lifestyle, Ayurveda has a treasure trove of wisdom for every parent. 

Are you eager to learn how to incorporate Ayurvedic practices into your child's daily routine as they return to school? Let's dive in!

What Should Be Ayurvedic Dinacharya For Kids?

Ayurveda emphasizes dinacharya, which helps establish balance in the body and mind. For children, having a structured routine not only provides a sense of security but also ensures that their natural rhythms align with nature. Here's how you can create a kid-friendly Ayurvedic routine:

Morning Routine: Essential To Set A Tone For The Day

Early Rising:

You must encourage your child to wake up early, ideally before sunrise. But how can you do that? Firstly, you need to incorporate this into your morning routine. You should become a role model for your children. They'll learn fast when they see you following early morning rituals.

This habit helps synchronize their body's rhythms with nature, promoting better focus and energy levels throughout the day.

Morning Hydration:

Start your child's day with a glass of warm water sitting in Malasasna. This simple practice helps flush out toxins and jumpstart the digestive system, preparing your child for a day of learning.

Oil Massage (Abhyanga): 

After this, gently motivate children to massage oil before a bath. It can work wonders.

You can use sesame or coconut oil. If your children are small, you can massage your child's body to improve circulation, promote relaxation, and strengthen their immune system.

Bathing Ritual: 

The Ayurvedic bathing ritual involves cleanliness and using natural products that maintain healthy skin for children. These products can include herbal soap, powder, or oils.

Healthy Breakfast: 

Start their day with a nutritious and healthy breakfast, such as oatmeal or whole-grain porridge. Additionally, avoid cold and processed foods, as they can disrupt digestion.

Mindfulness During Study Time

Study Time: 

To increase children's concentration power, incorporate a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises before study sessions. These exercises help calm the mind, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety.

Lunch and Dinner: 

Serve freshly cooked meals with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Encourage eating in a calm environment without distractions to aid digestion.

Evening and bedtime Routine

Play and Physical Activity: 

Ensure your child spends time outdoors every day. Physical activity not only strengthens the body but also helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress.

Early Bedtime: 

A consistent bedtime routine is crucial. Encourage your child to wind down with a warm bath, followed by reading or storytelling, and ensure they get 8-10 hours of sleep.

Immunity-Boosting Tips

Children interact with many students, teachers, and other things too. And having low immunity can make them prone to infections.

Therefore, as parents, the responsibility of building a robust immune system for your children is more important than ever. Ayurveda highlights prevention over cure, and there are several ways you can enhance your child's immunity naturally:

Balanced Diet: 

A key aspect of this is a balanced diet. Your children's diet should include vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, and legumes to provide essential nutrients that support the immune system. Additionally, you can incorporate various colors on your child's plate to ensure they get a range of vitamins and minerals.

Turmeric Milk: 

One such simple yet effective remedy is Turmeric Milk. It is also popular as 'Golden Milk.' This Ayurvedic solution is a powerhouse for boosting immunity. And the best part? It's super easy to make.

Just add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk, mix it well, and let your child enjoy it before bed. To add more flavor to your golden milk, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or honey. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties help protect against infections.

Herbal Teas: 

You can introduce herbal teas like Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Ginger, which have immune-boosting properties. These herbal teas can be sipped warm, especially during winters, to keep colds and flu at bay.

Regular Exercise: 

You should encourage children to exercise regularly to keep their bodies strong and healthy.

Exercise improves circulation, enhances digestion, and reduces stress, all contributing to a robust immune system.

Adequate Sleep: 

Sleep is vital for a healthy immune system after diet and exercise. That's why you must ensure your child gets adequate sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

5 Essential Herbs For Kids' Daily Health

Herbs are fundamental to Ayurveda, offering natural ways to support health and well-being. Here are five essential herbs that can be safely incorporated into your child's daily routine to enhance immunity.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): 

Famous as a powerful adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve energy levels, and boost immunity. It can be given in powdered form mixed with warm milk or water.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnierimonnieri): 

Brahmi enhances memory and cognitive function, making it ideal for school-going children. It can be consumed as a powder or in tablet form.

Tulsi (Holy Basil): 

Ayurveda reveres Tulsi for its ability to fight infections and boost immunity. You can add fresh Tulsi leaves to your child's meals or prepare a warm Tulsi tea for them.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): 

Amla is abundant in Vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a potent immune booster. It can be consumed as fresh fruit, or in juice form, or as a powder mixed with honey.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): 

Licorice root is beneficial for soothing the respiratory system, making it great for kids prone to colds and coughs. You can give it as tea or mixed with honey.

Children are moody and don't want to eat anything that is not tasty. Then what should you do? Here's Brahma Rasayana Prash, an all-natural Ancient longevity and nerve tonic for kids. It is not just Yum but has all the essential herbs that your children require.

Doshas In Kids

In Ayurveda, doshas are the energies that govern our physical and mental processes. Understanding your child's dominant dosha can help you tailor their diet, activities, and lifestyle for optimal health.

Vata Dosha: 

Vata children are energetic, creative, and have quick minds. However, they may also be at high risk of anxiety, restlessness, and digestive issues. To balance Vata, provide warm, nourishing foods, establish a regular routine, and ensure plenty of rest.

Pitta Dosha: 

Pitta children are driven, intelligent, and often have a strong appetite. However, they can be prone to irritability and overheating. Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens and plenty of water can help balance Pitta.

Kapha Dosha: 

Kapha children are calm, loving, and often have sturdy builds. They may be prone to weight gain, sluggishness, and respiratory issues. To balance Kapha, encourage physical activity, reduce sugar intake, and serve lighter, spicier foods.

Conclusion

As your child embarks on a new school year, incorporating Ayurveda into their daily routine can make a difference. By focusing on a balanced dinacharya, boosting their immunity with natural remedies, and understanding their unique dosha, you can help them stay healthy, happy, and ready to take on the challenges of the academic year.

Ayurveda offers time-tested wisdom that not only nurtures the body but also the mind and spirit, setting your child up for success both in and out of the classroom. So, as you prepare for the back-to-school season, consider embracing the holistic practices of Ayurveda to ensure your child's well-being and academic excellence.