3 Holistic Health Tips to Help You Thrive this Summer

Ayurveda for women yoga and meditation

Written by Heather Burkart

I'm passionate about helping women unlock their greatest potential to experience the energy, focus, and mood that they deserve.

Summer is usually a fun time, but also when we let healthy habits slide. By the end of the summer, we may not feel our best. It’s possible to have fun and feel great! Here are my top 3 self-care tips inspired by Ayurveda to stay committed to your wellness goals this summer.

Why Is Self-Care Important for Summer?

You might have more time for self-care in the winter but self-care is just as important in the summer. Why? Ayurveda teaches us that the heat of the sun can be very depleting and therefore it’s still really important to take care of ourselves. Summer’s heat can dry our skin and make our digestion more acidic. The long days can cause fatigue and the hot nights can cause sleeplessness. It can aggravate our minds and cause more heated emotions like anger, criticism, and impatience.

Summer self-care is really all about balancing the Pitta dosha, the energy of fire. It’s qualities (gunas) are hot, dry, light, mobile, and sharp. It’s smart to care for the Vata dosha as well since it’s airy nature can intensify on the flames of Pitta. The common ground between Vata and Pitta doshas is staying grounded and enjoying the present moment. What fun is summer if you’re not paying it and yourself full attention?

Top Three Summer Self-Care Tips from Ayurveda So You Can Feel Your Best

Stay Cool

Ayurveda has lots of tips that can keep us cool this summer. Ayurvedic wisdom teaches us to balance with the energies that be, otherwise we can aggravate them. In the case of the summer season, it is ruled by the Pitta dosha, or fiery energy. Instead of doing and eating things that increase Pitta’s, there is much Ayurvedic wisdom about doing and eating things that calm and soothe the heat of the season. Think about drinking a cool glass of lemonade or taking a cool dip in a pool on a hot Summer afternoon. See? Your body-mind system already knows how to do this. Here are a few simple tips:

  • Avoid overexposure to the sun. We need Vitamin D but we also need to protect our skin from sun damage. 10-15 minutes every day (without sunscreen) will get you 10,000-20,000 IU’s of Vitamin D. That’s all you need in a day! Earlier in the day is better if possible.
  • Wear a hat to protect the head, which is very sensitive to heat; especially for Pitta individuals (those with Pitta Ayurvedic constitutions).

Stay Hydrated

Everyone knows this, but hydration is worth mentioning. Pitta’s heat dries us out pretty quickly especially if you’re spending time outside. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day. Make your own tasty cooling beverages to help you stay hydrated.

  • Infuse your water with cooling foods and herbs like cucumber, mint leaves, and lime. See more ideas below.
  • Reduce acidic and alcoholic beverages that increase Pitta heat. Be kind to your liver in the Summer and try not to overdo it! Remember, moderation…

Stay Nourished

You may notice your appetite diminish in the Summer; however, nourishment is still really important especially if you find yourself eating less. Don’t forget grounding foods that can help balance the light fare of summer.

  • Summer is a great time to enjoy nature’s bounty. You’ll probably crave more fresh salads, too. Make them more nourishing by adding cooked whole grains, cooked vegetables and legumes, or avocadoes all well-marinated in an oily, herby dressing to help digest it all. Add a hard-boiled egg or a few slices of grilled chicken breast for more sustenance.
  • Fruit is an ideal snack in between meals because it digests easily and it is generally cooling. Acidic fruits like oranges and lemons can increase Pitta’s heat in excess.

Keep Your Cool This Summer With Infused Water Inspired by Ayurveda

Try any of these recipe that you can quickly make in a liter mason jar with 4 cups of water.

  • Minty Limeade: add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a few mint leaves (muddle the leaves for more minty flavor).
  • Turmeric Tonic: add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (an renowned Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory) and a teaspoon of raw cane sugar. Add a slice of lemon if you’d like.
  • Raspberry-Lime-Mint: muddle a few raspberries in the bottom of the jar, fill with water, add a squeeze of lime and a few mint leaves.

Summer Yoga & Self-Care Workshop

Saturday, June 17th, 2023 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM Central Time.

Join me live or via Zoom for more of my top tips for the summer season, including how you can adapt your yoga practice to balance and avoid aggravating Pitta and more dietary and lifestyle tips.

Sign up if you want the replay.

Sign up here.

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