Embrace Summer: Essential Selfcare Tips for July
In Ayurveda, the summer months (in the northern hemisphere) are associated with Pitta dosha, with July marking the peak of this Pitta season. Pitta is primarily made up of the fire element, with some water. Consequently, July is the hottest month, making it a key period for Pitta imbalances like sour stomach, low digestive fire, skin irritations, and increased anger or irritability. To prevent these symptoms, follow these selfcare tips for July.
Selfcare Tips for July
Food
Since the heat is the highest in July, our digestive fire (adni) is at its lowest. So continue with simple carbs, easy-to-digest foods, and 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.
Cooling summer fruit 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.
Avoid overexposure to the sun, and 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.
Refreshing coconut water 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.
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