Holistic tips for a healthy summer

If you have read mineseasonal home blog postsBeforehand, know that each season contains a completely different energy, and to feel good all year round, we benefit from changing our lifestyle habits from season to season. Living seasonally doesn't mean you have to make big life changes every few months, but rather small and simple but impactful changes that benefit us on all levels. As we move from spring to summer, you may already be feeling the need to change your morning routine, your meal choices, or weekend plans, or you may feel like you need a change but don't know where to start. In this post, we'll explore a few simple, holistic everyday methods you can use to prepare your body and mind for summer (no, no "beach body workout" here!) and start reaping the benefits of seasonal living.

The Yin & Yang of the seasons

Summer is the peak of “Yang” energy; Think about the bright, hot, sunny days when you are full of energy and have a day full of fun plans. This is the energy of summer. Just as the plants and trees around us are in full bloom and at the peak of their seasonal growth, we too would naturally feel more energized in the summer if we lived seasonally. Maybe that sounds like you? Feeling more energetic in the sunnier months is actually linked to the longer hours of sunshine and the impact on our hormones and circadian rhythm, also known as the “body clock”. Sunlight can increase a chemical in us known as “serotonin,” which increases mood and energy levels and helps us feel calm and focused. The opposite is the case in the dark winter months, when low levels of sunlight cause a so-called serotonin deficiency in some peopleSADor “seasonal affective disorder.”

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is also determined by a different energetic movement. Spring is “upward” while summer is “outward” and expansive. You may recognize this by watching plants grow - upward from the ground in the spring and then outward in the summer. The outward expansion movement is also reflected in our social interactions, which evolutionarily would have been much more expansive in summer than in winter. Cold months are better for snuggling up in our homes with close family and loved ones, while warm summer months are made for meeting lots of new people, traveling away from home, and saying "yes" to more invitations.

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda (the “sister science” of yoga) recognizes summer as the season when “Pitta” energy, related to fire and water, is at its highest. When we are in a healthy, balanced state, Pitta energy helps us feel confident, energetic, strong, and focused, complete tasks efficiently, and support a strong metabolism. However, when this fiery energy becomes excessive (known as a “Pitta imbalance”), we may feel irritable, inflamed, angry, obsessive, we may overexert ourselves and overdo physical activities, trying to check off too many things. make a list, experience blood sugar fluctuations, and eventually burn out. Ayurveda often uses the principle of'Like increases like, and opposite brings balance'so advises that during these hot Pitta summer months we choose cooling, calming activities that allow us to take a break from work and "doing" and focus more on simply "being."

So summer seems to be about a lot more than just warmer weather - as we move into this season the energy changes dramatically, so choose your favorites from these holistic tips for a healthier summer to keep you feeling your best!

Pranayama

Yoga breathing exercises can help us feel calm, energized, and focused, and can even be used as a meditation practice.(link removed)is a great resource for learning many different pranayama practices with great benefits and understanding the technique and meaning behind them. Use the breathing exercise to keep the body cool on hot summer daysshitali pranayama,translated as “cooling breath”. To do this, roll your tongue into a tube shape (if you are unable to do this, just stick your tongue out) and inhale the air through the “tube” like a straw. Close your mouth, then slowly exhale through your nose and repeat two more times. This practice is effective for cooling the body when you feel overheated or irritated. Other mammals such as dogs also stick out their tongues to cool the body since they cannot sweat through their skin.

Pressure points

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often recommend acupuncture or acupressure treatment at the beginning of each season to keep the body's energy flowing harmoniously from one part of the year to the next. In TCM, summer is governed by the fire element, which is related to the heart and the small intestine. Therefore, pressure points are used in relation to these organs to keep them healthy. The SI 5 point (Small Intestine 5) can help with mental clarity and calmness, while a pressure point is known in the center of the palmLao Gongcan help remove excess heat from the body, relieve mouth ulcers, increase energy, and calm a restless mind. The soles of the feet also contain many acupressure and reflexology points, so try using a mat like that(link removed)to soothe and stimulate 42 points on each foot to relieve stress and prevent burnout.

Take your practice outside

Our bodies only know what season it is when we actually go out into nature and immerse ourselves in the season! The amount and intensity of sunlight on our skin sends signals to the brain indicating what time of year it is, and when we go outside in the morning, the natural sunlight our eyes are exposed to signals the brain that it's morning and time to feel more energetic too. Going out into natural daylight early in the morning helps set the body clock to the right time, making us feel awake during the day and sleepy at night when it gets dark. One of my favorite ways to reap the benefits of my yoga practice and morning light exposure is to take my mat outside for a few rounds of sun salutations. This (link removed) is incredibly light and super sticky, so you can take it into the garden or balcony and even easily pack it in your suitcase for the summer holidays!

Drink enough

Even mild dehydration can cause brain fog, dry skin, constipation and fatigue. When the days are hot and dry, it's even more important to stay hydrated. The versatile, specially designed(link removed)keeps water ice cold until the end of your morning run or yoga class and can also be used to keep tea toasty warm. If you struggle to drink water because it's "boring," take inspiration fromTori Holmes beauty waterBook, with 50 recipes to supercharge your water with herbs, adaptogens, crystals and other natural ingredients.

Switch to a summer yoga wardrobe

We all love a pair of yoga leggings, but for those super sweaty classes in the height of summer, sometimes shorts are a good choicemust.Especially if you're enjoying a dynamic Vinyasa class or gym workout, wearing shorts can protect you from overheating and allow you to get more out of your session (instead of collapsing in a puddle of sweat...). The(link removed)are made from soft, airy material made from recycled bottles, are sweat-wicking and quick-drying and are perfect to wear under a bike commuter skirt on sunny days.

What is your most must-take tip this summer? Have you started making changes to help you live more seasonally this year?