top of page
Search

July Selfcare Tips

Pink flowers and green leaves against a blue sky with fluffy clouds and bright sunlight. Vibrant and serene natural setting.

The summer months fall under Pitta dosha in Ayurveda, and July is the peak of this Pitta season. Pitta is comprised of the elements of fire and water, but mostly fire. It rules all transformation in the body, such as digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients.  People who have a predominance of Pitta dosha tend to have a medium build, good muscle tone, healthy digestion, and piercing eyes. They’re also passionate, very motivated, enthusiastic and brilliant, as well focused and organized. However, when Pitta is imbalanced, it can express itself as low digestive fire, sour stomach, skin irritations, and anger. To avoid these symptoms, follow these selfcare tips for July.


July Selfcare Tips


Diet

Like the June diet, eat smaller, lighter meals, but add more cooling foods. Summertime is the only time of the year where everyone can enjoy cooling, refreshing salads and raw foods, especially during the midday summer heat. However, avoid ice-cold foods and drinks, because cold constricts blood flow, which can slow down digestion. Also, avoid sharp, hot, and pungent foods and spices, which can aggravate Pitta. Seasonal foods to enjoy now include:


  • Fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, apricots, mango, nectarines, plums, grapes, peaches, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, pineapple, pomegranate, and rhubarb.

    A vibrant fruit bowl with melon, berries, cherries, and watermelon slice on a floral tablecloth. Bright and colorful summer setting.

  • Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, summer squash, corn, jicama, green beans, and leafy greens.


  • Lighter grains, such as basmati rice, quinoa and millet.


Herbs

Include cooling herbs and spices such as cilantro, rose petals, calendula, hibiscus, and dandelion, as well as mineral salt to help you stay hydrated (unless you have high blood pressure).


Lifestyle

  • Wake up early and enjoy the cool morning air. This is a good time to exercise, as well as in the evening. Either way, avoid exercising during the heat of the day. Practice gentle yoga so that you don’t overheat.


  • Take cool showers to cool off.


  • Protect your skin by using natural sunscreen. There are many brands of sunscreen on the market, and unfortunately, many of the popular ones are toxic. The Environmental Working Group (EWGs) rates sunscreens, so check their website to see if your sunscreen is safe to use. Also wear lose-fitting, light-colored clothing, as well as a hat.


  • Hydration is always important, but more so during the summer months, because your body sweats more to regulate body temperature. In cooler months, you might lose 0.5-1.0 liters of fluid per hour, but in hotter or more humid times of the year, you may lose 1.5-2.5 liters or more per hour. So, to stay hydrated, drink a lot of water throughout the day, sip herbal teas like fennel, rose, or mint, or drink coconut water. 

    Tall glass of coconut water with a garnish, beside coconuts and slices, on a wooden table by a bright blue pool, creating a tropical vibe.

  • Practice Abhyanga (self-massage) with cooling sunflower, coconut or Brahmi oil. These oils can soothe the skin and reduce internal heat.


  • Rest the body as well as the mind. Slow down and avoid getting overheated. Also, avoid overthinking; try meditation, moon bathing (like sunbathing but you allow the cool, soothing light of the moon to cool you off and calm you down), or pranayama (breathwork). Sitali pranayama (the cooling breath) can help you cool down. To practice Sitali, inhale through a curled tongue and exhale through the nose. During the exhalation, lightly touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. If your throat feels dry, swallow occasionally to coat the throat.


Take care and stay cool.


Resources:

Comments

bottom of page