What is the proper way to do my Daily Nitnem?

Q - Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

First of all, I would like to apologize if this question has been asked before. I have recently been struggling in life, especially in my studies and keeping a peaceful and prosperous mind. I feel that I am to be blamed because I do not pray much and that I am easily discouraged and distracted. So, I started praying but I feel that I am not doing it right. Correct me if I am wrong, but there are JAPJI SAHIB, REHRAAS SAHIB, ARDAAS and SOHILAA prayers, right? I heard that each prayer is different and is done in different times of the day. So, I would like to know, if I wake up in the morning, which prayer should I start with and end with? Also, before going to bed, which prayer should I start with and end with?

Thanks in advance and God bless everyone

A - Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh!

Although each of the banis in our Nitnem is tuned to the energy of a specific time of day, you must not let anyone else tell you what is "right" and what is "wrong." What matters is what is in your heart, not anyone else's opinion or judgement.

Each of the banis carries the energy of a particular tattva (element)

Ether - Japji Sahib and Shabd Hazaaray (Amrit Vela)
Balances your natural earth energy with the etheric energy

Air - Jaap Sahib and Tav Prasaad Swayaas (Morning)
Tunes your mind to the power of the Infinite

Fire - Anand Sahib (Morning)
Energizes and empowers you

Water - Rehiras Sahib with Bentee Chaupaee (Sundown)
Moves you gracefully from the male sun energy of the day into the female moon energy of the night

Earth - Kirtan Sohilaa (bedtime)
Prepares you to leave the earth

Understand the flow of your day as you live it, with your own work and sleep schedule, and recite the banis in the natural rhythm of that day.


In the Name of the Guru, the Light of Every Sikh and the Holy Naam which holds the world.