When summer temperatures soar, our instinct is to look for relief – cranking up the AC, diving into a pool, or reaching for an ice-cold drink or ice-cream.
But true seasonal resilience comes from how we care for our bodies from the inside out. As we navigate the peak of summer, shift your priorities from rigid fitness regimes to something simple and sustainable like gentle yoga, indoor walking or tai chi exercises.
The summer season is all about supporting our internal cooling systems, nurturing our gut health and staying hydrated.
We lose significantly more fluids and essential minerals through sweat during the hotter months which can quickly lead to sluggish digestion, summer headaches and migraines, lethargy and low energy, as well as irritability and crankiness.
Roughly 20 per cent of our daily fluid intake comes from food. Incorporate high-water content produce like cucumbers, celery, radishes, watermelon and lemon into your daily diet. They are hydrating and full of vitamins and trace minerals.
On waking up in the morning, drink a glass or two of warm water. Sit in your garden or facing your window or on the balcony, so while you are sipping warm water, your body is also getting sunshine and slowly adjusts to the light.
Your body naturally loses moisture overnight and hydrating first thing in the morning, jump-starts your metabolism and boosts your digestive system.
While a glass of cold water feels refreshing and satisfying, especially after meals, it can shock the digestive system and slow down the breakdown of food. Always opt for room-temperature or warm water. Adding a dash of fresh lemon juice to your water is even better.
In the summer heat, our internal digestive fire (Agni), naturally slows down. Eating heavy, greasy or highly-processed meals forces the body to work overtime, leaving you feeling heavy, bloated and fatigued.
During the summer months, aim to eat cooling foods, like a bowl of quinoa, chickpeas and feta cheese salad with homemade lemon dressing. This meal is light and easier to digest as well as nutrient-dense, leaving you feeling satiated and happy.
Summer is the perfect time to nourish your gut microbiome. Gentle fibres from leafy greens and fermented foods are cooling as well as healthy for your gut. These foods will provide you with the right beneficial gut bacteria which will keep your gut and mind happy, increase your immunity and increase your energy levels.
Try out something new this month. Take a three-litre jug and fill it with filtered water and cucumber slices. Add a handful of mint leaves and just one teaspoon of pure, fresh aloe vera pulp. This infused water is refreshing and cooling during this hot season. Add a generous pinch of pink salt too and a pinch of jaggery. This will provide you with the necessary electrolytes to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
This summer, don’t wait until you are parched or exhausted. Listen to your body. By making small, daily shifts in how you hydrate, eat and move, you can maintain an easy, vibrant balance all season long.
Perrin, The Holistic Coach
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