Embracing the summers heat - Tips for keeping cool.

I don't know about you but Im a sun worshipper! Any chance I get to be outside in the sunshine I'm there, the summer sun and intense heat can either invigorate us, turning us into energetic, joyful people, or it make us want to retreat to a cool, quiet room until autumn arrives. Regardless of the weather's effect, it's important to adapt our daily routines and yoga practices to meet our needs.

Summer heightens the fire element (solar plexus) within us and can disrupt our physical and emotional states, tipping the balance towards the hot tempered and agitated emotions with fatigued and an exhausted constitution. Take time to observe if you're constantly on the go, running around doing all of the things, all at once, and notice if the heat is draining your energy. In summer it's important that we teach ourselves to slow down, breathe more deeply, and intentionally create a cool body and mindset.

Eat Well

During summer, you might find your appetite changing, or you may not feel as hungry! We've been preparing so many daily salads in bulk so they last for a few portions on the day and the day after. The warm weather boosts our metabolism, so you might feel less full and not crave large meals. Greasy and rich meals may make you feel bloated or even sluggish. Be mindful of spicy foods this time of year because you'll just increase your inner fire! Opt for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses as snacks instead of sugary or salty options.

Incorporate fresh herbs such as mint, basil, dill, coriander, and parsley into your salads, and use dried herbs like fennel.

and chamomile in tea.

Stay Hydrated

Sipping water throughout the day helps maintain hydration, as we lose a lot of water through sweat that needs replenishment. Stick to water or add lemon/cucumber to enhance it! Chrysanthemum tea is amazing for cooling the body down. Room temperature water is better than cold/ice water.

Time to Make Smoothies!

Smoothies are an excellent way to get all our nutrients, vitamins, and protein, especially when you're not very hungry. Fruit smoothies make a great sweet treat for kids and can even be frozen into ice lollies. Try combinations like banana & peanut butter, mango & passion fruit, or beetroot and apple!

Slow Down

We should not only adapt our yoga practice but also slow down our daily activities! Instead of rushing, give yourself extra time in the morning to get ready or make a list of tasks, prioritizing what’s important and what can wait.

Find Your Rhythm

Summer is the time of year when we can utilize the morning sunlight to restore our internal rhythms, significantly improving sleep quality. When we go outside in the morning, the light receptors in our eyes absorb the natural 'blue' lightwaves that are most abundant from sunrise until about 11am. These lightwaves signal to the brain that it is daytime. Receiving this message is akin to starting an engine; our digestive system begins to activate, we can concentrate better, and we feel more energized and prepared for the day!

Heart Healing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heart is regarded as one of the key organs to care for during Summer. The heart symbolizes joy, excitement, love, passion, and movement, and to 'nourish' this organ, it's beneficial to engage in enjoyable and fun activities. TCM suggests engaging in activities that are enjoyable and induce a flow state, explore your creativity and embrace childlike play more frequently.

Green is known to balance heart energy, so surround yourself with the natural green shades of the outdoors, eat green foods, and maybe even wear green clothing. This season, focus on acting and speaking from your heart. Within yoga philosophy we can enjoy the qualities of the heart, love, acceptance, forgiveness and spaciousness. Next time you face a decision, place your hand on your heart and listen to what you genuinely need. What is your heart telling you today? Can you speak and connect with yourself with love, acceptance and forgiveness.

Nature Spots with Water

One of my favorite activities is walking by water spots, whether it's a coastal path, a river walk, or simply sitting by a local lake. Water has a calming effect on our bodies and minds, so take advantage of it while it's hot! Why not take off your shoes and dip your toes? Gorgeous spots you can visit around the worcestershire area are Upper Arley, Arley Arboretum, Trimpley Reservoir, River walks in Worcester, Canal walks from Wolverley to Kinver.

Incorporate More Breathing Exercises

We breathe every day, sometimes consciously but very often not so much! One of the best ways to stay calm is through breathing, it helps us to rebalance the nervous system.

Try the Sheetkari Pranayama technique, which cools the body by filtering air through the teeth, creating moisture in the mouth. You inhale through gritted (a soft awkward smile) teeth and gently breathe out of the nose. This is a fave through summer and something ill share most weeks in my classes!

Slow Yoga

There are slow yoga practices available, and your yoga teacher may adjust practices to suit external conditions. In summer, we slow down, possibly practicing more Yin or gentle yoga, while in winter, we might warm up with more flowing and dynamic practices. Move at a pace that suits you, as the body is already warm and it's easy to overexert and tire quickly in the summer heat. Yin yoga is an excellent option in summer as it balances the body by keeping still, allowing you to rest in poses and lower your body temperature.

Yoga Poses to Keep Cool

Child's Pose

Seated Forward Fold

Seated Side Bend

Wide Leg Forward Fold

Tree Pose

Butterfly Pose

Sleeping Pose

Happy Baby Pose

Side Squat

Puppy Pose

Legs Up the Wall - Especially beneficial in summer.

Shavasana

Summary

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post and have found lots of little helpful summer tips! Remember, take what you like and apply it little by little. Through summer we are vibrant, carefree and will definitely feel brighter and lighter so make the most of the days, enjoy being outside, enjoy socialising. When the time feels right connect to your body and heart your way and remember, you can slow down anytime you need.

Thank you for reading this blog and taking the time to cool down with me during the summer months!

V x