Summer Lifestyle Habits To Stay Cool & Grounded

The long, hot summer days are here!

According to Ayurvedic principles, each of the seasons have distinct personalities with summer being hot, intense, sharp, and penetrating. To feel balanced and happy, it's to your benefit to adjust your routines, habits, and dietary choices to harmonize with the seasons. To truly customize your approach and learn what your specific mind and body type is, take a free Dosha Quiz.

This doesn't mean you need to do a complete overhaul to your daily routine but think of them more as gentle pivots and can often be super refreshing to mix up your habits. Overall, summer is a time to be mellow, cool (in mind and body), and stay grounded.

Let's break down specific practices you can add into a typical summer day!

Eat Cooling Fruits and Veggies 

Eat more fruits, lean animal protein, all leafy greens, grains, and lots of herbs and spices. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, gluten, excess sugar, and overeating.

Berries, melons, avocado, coconut everything, fish and poultry, all leafy greens + cauliflower, zucchini, basil, mint, cilantro, dill, parsley, lime, basmati rice, soy products, black beans, chick peas, maple syrup, unrefined cane sugar, and goat cheese. Buy local, organic and seasonal foods for your area!

Get Moving First Thing

Summer is the season to get moving! Increased movement will support your energy and mental clarity but aim for early morning or later evening exercise routines to manage irritability in the afternoon. Ditching the hottest part of each day between 10am - 4pm to do vigorous movement will help keep you cool and calm. Go swimming whenever possible, water helps you go with the flow. Brisk morning walks or runs in the AM. Minimize sitting for long periods of time and incorporate gentle stretching in the evenings before bed. 

Chill Out Your Mind

Exhale hot air out of your mouth and nose to release stored heat in the body. Inhale and make a big belly then slowly release all your air. Blow bubbles bare foot in the yard. Rise with the sun and take a slow morning stroll. Read outside under a shaded tree. Watch the clouds. Host an outdoor meal with friends and family. Create a nature mandala and listen to the birds.

Connect With Earth Element

Sleep with your window open to be in tune with natural sounds. If you live in an urban area, get yourself a sound machine or play nature sounds on your phone. Wear breathable clothing like cotton, rayon (think silk), and linen with pastel and bright colors. Cover your head and eyes when in direct sun. Resist working late, let your brain turn off. Go to bed before 11pm. Be slow to anger, frustration, and judgement, those all create heat in the body. Step outside and bathe in the moonlight.