Don't Let Summer Pass You By!
Summer has officially arrived! Even if no one in your home is affected by the school summer vacation schedule, there tends to be a noticeable shift in energy level and attitude. The warm weather and long days bring many opportunities to get out and enjoy live music, sporting events, farmers markets, afternoons at the pool, outdoor movies, and other seasonal festivities. In traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the element of fire. The naturally occurring heat we experience, both internally and climatically, fosters an activating and energizing dynamic. We may tend to stay awake a little later at night, fill up our social calendar, embark on travel adventures, and experience less routine and daily structure in general. It’s all part of the excitement and pleasures of summertime.
To truly reap all the benefits of this dynamic and invigorating time of year, we must also make time for relaxation. Our challenge is to intentionally slow down and soak in the qualities of the season. Summer offers us a sensory playground ~ succulent fruits, colorful blooms, fragrant fresh-cut grass, sand between our toes, the sound of the breeze through the trees, running rivers, and late afternoon thunderstorms. Pay attention to the abundance of scents, sights, sounds, and tastes during this revitalizing season. Allow the energy of summer to seep into every pore of your body with mindful awareness and appreciation for each experience.
If your work schedule doesn't let up during the summer, carve out time in the early morning when the temperatures are more mild, or the late afternoon when the light lingers on for hours after the work day, and take a walk or a swim. Entertain yourself with a fun novel of your choice during your lunch break. Sip lemonade as an afternoon refreshment. Make a promise to yourself to embark on at least one adventure each weekend.
With the increased heat and activity we experience during the summertime, it’s even more important we find ways to down-shift, keep ourselves cool, and make time to rest and restore. Between all the fun summer festivities, keep in mind a few of these refreshing basics:
Stay hydrated (drink at least 2-3 liters per day, according to Mayo Clinic)
Implement slow, soothing breath work practices (ida breath, sitali breath, etc.)
Try few soothing, calming, and balancing yoga poses (i.e. tree pose, fish pose, cobra, etc.)
Enjoy the bountiful fresh fruits and vegetables available at local markets
Use skin products with cooling ingredients like mint, aloe vera, and cucumber
As we step into summertime and our bodies naturally become more activated, it is even more important to make time for rest and relaxation. Try a few of the ideas above, or identify your own unique strategies for effective stress relief. This season provides incredible opportunities for empowerment, when we discover subtle, yet incredibly powerful ways to better understand and take care of ourselves. So, slow down and give yourself permission to indulge in the lazy days of summer.