These foods hydrate the body, aid digestion, and have a cooling effect.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a variety of natural strategies to keep your body cool and balanced during the hot summer months. To implement these Ayurvedic hacks for best results, incorporate them into your daily life gradually and consistently. Keep reading as we share a list of Ayurvedic hacks to stay cool this summer.
10 Ayurvedic hacks to stay cool this summer:
1. Stay hydrated with cold drinks
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and cool. Additionally, choose cold drinks like coconut water, cucumber juice, or water with mint to replenish electrolytes and regulate your body temperature.
2. Eat foods that cool your body
Incorporate cooling foods into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumber, mint, and coriander. These foods hydrate the body, aid digestion, and have a cooling effect.
3. Avoid spicy and heavy foods
Minimize your intake of spicy, oily, and heavy foods, as they can increase your body temperature and cause digestive discomfort. Instead, choose light, easy-to-digest meals filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Use cooling herbs and spices
Incorporate cooling herbs and spices into your diet, such as coriander, fennel, cardamom, and mint. These herbs calm the body’s excess heat, improve digestion, and keep the body cool from the inside out.
5. Practice pranayama
Participate in pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Sheetari and Sheetkari to cool your body and calm your mind. These breathing techniques involve breathing in through your mouth or tongue. This has a cooling effect on the respiratory system and helps regulate body temperature.
6. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics
For summer clothing, choose lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics allow air to circulate, preventing excessive sweating and keeping you cool and comfortable.
7. Avoid direct sunlight
Limit exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Stay indoors or seek shade if possible, and protect yourself from harmful UV rays by using protective measures such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
8. Take a cooling shower
Take a cold shower or bath to lower your body temperature and refresh your senses. Adding a few drops of a cooling essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender, to your bath will increase its cooling effect and help you feel more relaxed.
9. Practice Abhyanga
Before taking a shower, perform an abhyanga, or self-massage, using a cooling oil such as coconut oil or sesame oil. Massage, especially when done with gentle, long strokes, can improve blood circulation, calm the nervous system, and help cool the body.
10. Stay calm and avoid stress
Stress and anxiety can worsen heat-related symptoms and disrupt your body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature to keep your mind and body cool and balanced.
Pay attention to how your body responds to different exercises and adjust accordingly. Additionally, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your unique constitution (dosha). By employing these natural strategies, you can maintain optimal health and well-being while staying cool during the summer.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.
