How to Enjoy the Summer Heat Without Melting Down
I love summer. I love everything about it.
The days are longer, the kids are home from college, everyone moves at a slower pace, I have more white space in my schedule and the farmer markets are bursting with beautiful fruits, vegetables, and flowers. There’s time for picnics, outdoor concerts, biking along the lake, sitting on the patio reading…what’s not to love about summer?
Not everyone loves summer.
Ok, I know there are some of you who don’t love summer because… it gets hot, which means you start to overheat. A few extra hours outside in the higher temperatures makes you more irritable, tired, and sharp-tongued. You might even get rashes or indigestion.
Too much heat outside can cause too much heat inside.
According to Ayurveda, the sister-science of yoga, there are five elements- air, space, fire, water, and earth- that give the seasons their “personalities”. Summer is dominated by the element of fire, which is controlled by the element of water. As the temperatures rise outside in nature, the heat also rises inside the body and mind. Signs of too much fire in the body include indigestion, acid reflux, diarrhea, rashes, and acne. Signs of too much fire in the mind include increased irritability, short-temper, jealousy, and aggressive competitiveness. Depending on your state of balance or imbalance, summer will either aggravate your natural tendencies or create an internal sense of harmony and peace.
3 ways to prevent a summer meltdown.
Eat cooling foods. Sweet, juicy fruits and bitter, astringent greens are cooling, making summer the perfect time to eat fresh fruits and salads. Cool, but not iced, drinks with mint also help control the fire within.
Slow down. Summer + exercise = lots of heat. Try to exercise in the morning or evening when the sun is less intense and at 50-70% of your capacity. Slow down your pace…when talking, walking, or doing anything.
Take a “moon bath”. The moon has powerful cooling properties and “bathing” in moonlight can have a significant effect upon your body and mind. Take moonlight walks or try meditating upon an image of the moon.
I hope you’ll try one or all of these simple and practical remedies to keep you cool and chill you out this summer.
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
