We have passed the peak of Summer!

Already?

Yes already- time flies when you’re having fun after all!

As we approach the end of Summer, we must pay extra close attention, August is a particularly important month for sustaining health & wellness.

The humidity is waning and the dry heat is beginning to build.

As we know, what happens outside the body is mimicked inside the body.

If you begin to notice signs such as dry skin, digestive issues, insomnia, or intense but fleeting emotions, them that may be an indicator that your body is out of balance.

Read on to find ways to stay healthy and balanced as we prepare for the Autumn ahead.

In the Mind

August is another month of transition, this typically happens after a thunderstorm of intense rain and high-winds that beckons the cooler temperatures in preparation of Autumn.

Once the storm passes, it’s as though we have entered into the final phase of Summer.

Consisting of cooler mornings and nights along with high heat throughout the day. These changing temperatures can bring about more fleeting emotions, like anxiousness, worry and panic.

Meanwhile, the high heat can keep emotions intense and slightly toxic.

It is recommended that you stay aware of this change and take everything with a grain of pink Himalayan salt- still flavourful but not quite as extreme.

Your mind could be embellishing certain details more during this month.

In the Body

This transition invites the Vata season, according to Ayurveda, that means cold, dry and windy.

If you start to notice signs such as cold fingers or toes, cold-hearted feelings, dryness anywhere in the body, constipation, gas or bloating, scattered thoughts, that could be a sign that you have a Vata imbalance.

And how do we achieve balance?

By doing the opposite thing!

So what does that look like, you might ask?

Warmth, moisture/hydration and stability.

And this applies to all areas of life:

diet
movement
mental & emotional well-being
self-care
interactions with others
interactions with yourself

All areas of life play a role in your overall health & wellness, nothing is to be overlooked.

Daily Routine

Since the theme of August is to pacify Vata, I’ll share with you my top 3 tips for a balanced Vata.

No. 1- HYDRATE & MOISTURIZE

Yes, they are 2 different things.

Hydration involves bringing moisture into the tissues.

Moisturizing helps to lock in the moisture.

And both are important!

Eating fruits & veggies along with sipping warm water throughout the day can help to bring in moisture. And using high-quality fats like oils- both internally & externally- will help to keep the moisture in the tissues.

Check out the recipe of the month, Veda-Rade!

This healthy electrolyte drink will help to hydrate and maintain moisture with one simple sip.

No. 2- KEEP WARM

august can be a tricky month, with the fluctuating temperatures. I recommended dressing in layers and keep extra clothes handy so that you are never caught unprepared.

A cold Vata is an unhappy Vata.

Photo by Aleksandar Cvetanovic on Unsplash

No. 3- REST

I know I just said a cold Vata is an unhappy Vata, but a tired Vata is no joke either.

Without adequate rest the body isn’t able to function at peak levels, and with an already scattered mind, the Vata can go further out of balance.

Be sure to get your hours in every night (6-9 depending), or even take an afternoon siesta- this time of year is the one rare time where Ayurveda allows for naps.

Food is Medicine

There’s a reason all the juicy fruits are in season during the month of August, it’s to help support our health.

This month we have peaches, tomatoes and grapes taking the spotlight, all fruits that are packed with juicy-goodness and a little sourness to support the liver.

As for vegetables, cucumbers carrots and squash are top options to choice from to stay hydrated.

Continue choosing light meats and grains.

Digestion still hasn’t picked up quite yet so by choosing light foods you’re helping to support your body during this transition phase- and your body will thank you later down the line.

It’s August, the last of the Summer heat, enjoy it while lasts!

For more tips, checkout the tips below so you can stay balanced and equipped for a healthy autumn season ahead.