How Can an Ayurvedic Routine Help Me Balance My Energy Levels - #1236
I’ve always had trouble with low energy, especially after lunch. No matter what I eat, I feel sluggish and end up needing a nap to get through the day. I’ve read a bit about Ayurvedic routines and how they can help with enery levels and digestion, but I’m not sure where to start. I’ve heard things like eating at specific times, avoiding certain foods, and following a daily routine. I’ve tried some changes, like drinking warm water in the mornings, but I don’t know if there’s more I should be doing.
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
In Ayurveda, low energy, especially after meals, is often related to an imbalance in digestion (Agni) or improper food choices. A holistic Ayurvedic routine can help restore balance, boost energy, and improve digestion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start:
1. Follow a Regular Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Consistency is key in Ayurveda. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, as this helps regulate your body’s natural rhythm and energy levels. Start your day with a glass of warm water to hydrate and kick-start digestion.
2. Timing of Meals: Ayurveda recommends eating meals at specific times to support digestion. Have breakfast between 7-9 AM, lunch (the main meal) between 12-2 PM when Agni (digestive fire) is strongest, and a lighter dinner by 6-7 PM. Eating too late or skipping meals can cause sluggishness and poor digestion.
3. What to Eat: Focus on easily digestible, warm, and nourishing foods like soups, stews, cooked vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid heavy, oily, or overly processed foods, as they can lead to sluggish digestion and fatigue. Incorporating foods that balance your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) will also help regulate your energy.
4. Herbal Support: Herbal remedies like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Triphala can boost energy and support digestion. Ashwagandha, for example, is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping to increase stamina and reduce stress. A warm cup of Ginger tea before meals can stimulate digestion and prevent post-meal sluggishness.
5. Post-Meal Routine: After lunch, avoid napping right away, as this can disrupt digestion. Instead, take a gentle walk or rest quietly for a while. A short 10-15 minute walk aids digestion and keeps energy levels stable.
6. Incorporate Oil Massage (Abhyanga): A daily self-massage with warm oil, like sesame or coconut oil, can improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall vitality.
By following a balanced routine, eating at optimal times, and supporting your digestion with appropriate foods and herbs, you can experience improved energy levels and overall well-being.
Struggling with low energy, especially after lunch, is pretty common and can often be addressed with a few Ayurvedic tweaks. So let’s dive into it. Ayurvedically speaking, what’s probably happening here is your agni, or digestive fire, may not be at its peak during lunch, or maybe your dosha balance is a bit off.
First thing, timing is important. Try to have your largest meal around lunch. That’s when, according to Ayurveda, your digestive fire is the strongest—like midday sun. If you eat a heavy meal when your agni is not as strong, it leads to sluggishness. Think: lighter meals at dinner.
Now let’s talk about food choices. Steer clear of cold, heavy, or very oily foods for lunch. They can dampen your agni. Instead, go for warm, easy-to-digest meals like daal, kichari, or steamed veggies. And don’t skip the ginger. Sipping on warm ginger tea before and after meals can stoke that digestive fire.
Daily routines can also make a big difference. If you’re not already, wake up around sunrise and start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon. It helps kick start your digestive system. Gentle morning exercises, like yoga or walking, can get the blood flowing and boost your energy levels too.
But hey, sometimes just foods and routines don’t cut it alone. Consider a bit of self-massage with warm sesame oil in the morning or before bed. It’s soothing and helps balance the nervous system.
Honestly, the small changes do add up over time. You might not feel an overnight shift, but consistency is key here. And of course, if this persists, it’d be great to get personalized advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner who can delve deeper into your unique prakriti and any specific dosha imbalances.
Stay patient with yourself—figuring out what works takes a bit of trial and error, but you’re definitely on the right path with these changes.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.