Summer is officially here, and it’s not holding back on its heat. The sun is always blazing outdoors and the fan and AC is always turned on indoors. But in spite of these measures, most of us find it hard to cope with the extreme summer temperatures both physically and mentally. Furthermore, the rising heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, skin issues and digestive imbalances.
In places like Nagpur, where the summer can be pummeled by the dry, severe loo winds, it becomes all the more imperative to register mindful care of the body. Extra heat in the environment can aggravate the pitta dosha, the Ayurvedic concept associated with fire and transformation, resulting in symptoms like acidity, irritability, inflammation, and disturbed sleep.
But fear not! Because in this blog we will bring in Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom to keep your body cool and refreshed. So let’s jump right into it.
1. Start Your Day with a Glass of CCF (Cumin-Coriander-Fennel) Tea
Instead of going for your regular chai first thing in the morning, which Is loaded with sugar, wake your digestion with a glass of CCF tea. This wonderful mixture of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for burning off your pitta dosha (the fire element) during the summer months. Moreover, it prevents bloating as well.
How to prepare it: Bring 2 cups water to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon each cumin, coriander and fennel seeds. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day.
2. Coconut Water (Nature’s Own Electrolyte Drink)
According to Ayurveda, coconut water is often referred as “Sheetala”, which means cooling in nature. It calibrates your internal body temperature, and also helps with weight loss. So say goodbye to those colourful, bottled power drinks. For an authentic desi answer to dehydration, drink coconut water. It’s cooling, hydrating and easy on the stomach making it nature’s own ORS.
3. Eat Pitta-Pacifying Foods
As per Ayurveda, summer is ruled by the pitta dosha which signifies heat and intensity in our body. To counter it, eat more cooling, watery, sweet foods like:
- Cucumber
- Melons
- Buttermilk
- Leafy green
- Steamed vegetables
- Ghee
4. Make Cooling Yoga Part of Your Routine
A bit of gentle yoga can do wonders for your energy and mood. Asanas like Sheetali pranayama, child’s pose and seated forward bends are calming, restorative and cooling. If you don’t know how to perform these asanas, join yoga classes for guided lessons. And if you’re wondering, “Are there any good yoga classes near me?” Then the answer is YES! There are plenty of offline and Online Yoga Classes in Nagpur that will help you beat the heat all summer.
5. Don’t forget your skin!
Your skin can take quite a beating in summer. According to Ayurveda natural coolants mentioned below are vital to keep your skin protected and hydrated from summer heat:
1. Aloe vera gel (straight from the plant, if you have it)- apply it in the evening to soothe sun exposed skin.
2. Paste of sandalwood (mix with rosewater/ milk)- Apply In the evening before taking a bath
3. Rosewater spray (store in fridge for an extra cooling effect)- You can spray this on yourself throughout the day whenever you want to feel refreshed instantly.
Moreover, these natural skin treatments bring down inflammation, cool the skin and smell amazing. So make sure you give these a try!
Conclusion
Summer need not turn you into a hot, sweaty mess. With a few simple Ayurvedic adjustments such as cooling teas, mindful eating and soothing yoga, you can glide through the season like a pro.
And as for how to begin practicing yoga, there’s nothing to worry about. There are amazing online yoga classes in Nagpur with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with easy to follow instructions and routines with guidance from experts. Or, just Google “Good Yoga Classes Near Me” and check out what’s out there at your convenience.
Moreover, always make sure to listen to your body and adjusting it to its needs. So what are you waiting for? Get your mat out, breathe in, breathe out and stretch yourself to another healthy, balanced, and harmonious summer today!
