SIMPLE HEALTHY TIDBITS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE SUMMER

Summertime is considered Pitta season in Ayurveda and it consists of the Hot (usna) quality. Based on geographic location such as New England, it can be hot and humid primarily, or in a location such as southwest, hot, and dry. None-the-less, hot is the primary quality that distinguishes Pitta from the other doshic tendencies/qualities.

1- Avoid overeating. Be mindful of portions. The summertime tends to be the time of year that digestion is the weakest (winter being the strongest.) Therefore, overwhelming the digestive system may cause immediate issues depending on your state of metabolism and your constitution, or it may show up in the transition (RituSandhi) from summer to Fall, or even the fall. Remember that the body is a historical system and keeps track of everything even if you may not be.

2-Avoid exercising in the midday or direct peak sun hours. This will have a depleting effect on the body. Similarly, spending long periods of time under direct sun and especially at the ocean is said to add to depletion through exposure to increased heat and dryness. Sometimes this is obvious when you feel wiped out after a day at the pool or beach. Notice the quality of wiped-out-ness between being out at the beach/pool all day and going in the woods for camping/hiking.

3- Avoid over-exercising. I know many people are excited to be exercising during the summer but it is important to remember not to overheat, over-sweat, overdo it. This will cause a drying/inflammatory reaction and can appear for some immediately or later in the summer/transition to Fall and even in the Fall itself. Think/work smarter and not harder. Ayurveda and Yoga do not subscribe to the idea “no pain, no gain”, though with pain…you’ll gain some knowledge either way. Over sweating is actually counter-productive according to Ayurveda. Some regular sweating is suggested.

4- Stay properly hydrated. Now, according to Ayurveda, this is a very individualized experience and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Notice when YOU feel thirsty. Don’t determine your level of thirst based on some preset western model that states “8 glasses of water a day OR 1/2 your body weight in ounces of liquid.” Rather, pay attention to your own thirst cues. Pay attention to how you’re hydrating if you are drinking more water than electrolyte based beverages, and your input/output (which refers to how much physical activity, known as output, and what you put into the body, known as input.) This can change day to day depending on how active/inactive you are. You can check HERE for the general suggestion for proper Hydration.

5- Getting to sleep around 10 is ideal in all seasons but especially during summer months as going to bed at this appropriate time ensures that the body has the adequate rest it needs to regenerate and rejuvenate. Additionally, getting to sleep around this time also prevents an increase in dryness and inflammation. This means getting to bed around an hour before so that the body has its natural wind-down time. Furthermore, it is helpful to notice when you start to feel tired and begin moving in that direction to honor the natural intelligence of the body.

6- Minimize alcohol consumption as this can cause an increase in dehydration and inflammation. This could also negatively affect sleep by causing disturbances to the quality and longevity of sleep patterns.

7- Taking a midday siesta is an option, especially if you’re feeling overheated, and after meal but not lying down, sitting upright is ideal to help cool the body without negatively affecting digestion and cardiovascular/lymphatic functioning.

8- Eating seasonally is generally great, and why not? When nature is giving an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Spices can help aid in digestion when digestion is lower during the summer. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, and even turmeric, regularly consumed can be helpful. Bitters this time of year are great and so are some pungent spices. Know your body. Test it out in your body and see how you feel.

9- Get a massage! This has so many benefits and is more than just a luxurious treatment. Massages done properly can promote health and well-being, having the great potential to reduce medical expenses in the long run. Think of it, Kings and Queens of old times and current times have been and are known for having massages on a regular basis. This has a calming effect on the body but also promoting the health of the tissues, nervous system, and body overall. Schedule an appointment for yourself ASAP and test it out for yourself. Massage does a body good! Your body and mind will thank you.

10- Socializing and spending time with loved ones is good for the body, mind, and spirit, and good any time of year. Make merry!

11- Digital world (ie. cell phones, tablets, computers) reduction can be beneficial on many levels of health. Better managing and regulating how much exposure you have to digital technologies can contribute to better health as your nervous system is less taxed by the electromagnetic currents present in these technologies. You can start by avoiding jumping on the phone, for example, first thing in the morning and wait until after breakfast. Then, you can also stop using these technologies by bedtime so your nervous system can have a chance to unwind properly and discharge so these electromagnetic currents do not carry over into your sleep time. Overexposure to such technologies can have a drying effect along with an inflammatory effect and contribute towards pre-existing conditions that consist of such qualities already. Do your best. It isn’t always easy because research shows the addictive properties of digital technologies and screen time can affect psychoneuro chemistry. Here’s an example of a valid study.

12- Connect with Nature! This is good for the body, mind, and spirit. It is the best place to reset the whole system. Honor nature while you’re out there. Ensure that you don’t leave anything behind as you are taking all the splendor in.

DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner/professional/authority and primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.