July Wellness Habits
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
The warm weather is finally here!
That means BBQs, social gatherings and late nights celebrated with drinks.
It’s time to connect and enjoy the company of loved ones.
Warmth brings an increase in movement, both inside the body and outside.
With all the increased circulation, combined with the heat, there can also be an increase in intense emotions and behaviours.
Be aware of any signs of heat during this month, such as: skin rashes, acne, oiliness, lethargy, anger, irritability, increased judgment and criticism.
Try to avoid intense conversations and big life decisions, they may be coming from a more “heated” place.
Continue reading to discover ways to stay cool and collected all month long.
And, please remember…
Don’t crank the air conditioning!!
Although it’s tempting, the body is meant to flow with the transitions of Nature and going from the heat of the outdoors to cool indoors can through the body out of balance. Plus you’ll save on the electrical bill for the season.
In the Mind
July is the peak of the Summer season.
And being a month of transition, it can be challenging to stay balanced.
As the month starts, we’re still experiencing the humidity of early Summer, then around mid-month, the transition takes place and we enter late Summer. In the second half of the month, you may begin to experience dryness as the dead of Summer hits.
This transition can lead to an increase in more intense emotions, such as anger, jealousy, resentment, criticism, and irritability- and those are the good qualities.
Ease the mind by intentionally avoiding tense situations and indulge in lifestyle habits that will help keep you calm and cool.
Practice deep breathing practices, such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and cooling breath (Sitali Pranayama).
These practices will help to cool the body and find mental balance in just a few minutes.
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash
In the Body
Because of the intense heat that comes in July the body can easily become dehydrated and lethargic. Be sure to consume adequate amounts of fluids throughout the day, especially following the transition that happens around the middle of the month.
Without awareness and appropriate action, this point can lead you feel depleted for the remainder of the month and well into Autumn.
What you do this month determines the state of your health for the rest of the year.
During this month, be sure to slow down and take time to rest. It can be very easy to continue on the move as the weather is warm and days are long but set aside a day or a certain amount of time each day to nourish yourself.
After a long day in the Sun, soothe the skin with coconut oil and sip a Cucumber & Coconut Cooler to replenish internally.
Photo by Filip Urban on Unsplash
Daily Routine
One thing that we often disregard during the Summer is sleep.
We feel invincible during this time and when we neglect this vital aspect, we can greatly diminish our health.
One way to ensure a good night’s sleep is by eating supper at a good time. Since digestion is at it’s weakest during the Summer time, it’s especially important to eat meals that are simple and easy to digest.
Aim to have your last meal between 6 and 7pm, this will allow enough time for digestion to occur before going to sleep.
Photo by Marco Guerrero on Unsplash
It’s BBQ season!
Which is often coupled with a cool alcoholic beverage on a warm Summer’s night.
This combo although delicious is not the most beneficial for your health.
Again, since digestion is so weak, it’s recommended that we consume less amounts of meat and especially avoid charring it.
As for the alcohol, fermented foods raise heat within the body so consuming alcohol can cause you to feel extra heated in the Summer time.
Food is Medicine
Allow your food to nourish you and keep you balanced.
Choose food that contain high amounts of water and minerals to help keep you hydrated and balanced.
Fruits like berries and watermelon, and vegetables like okra and cucumber are amazing sources for this month. Aloe vera, coconut and chia seeds also help to provide sustainable hydration to your tissues.
Minimize heavy foods like meat and starchy grains.
In early-July prioritize astringent foods like pomegranate, cucumber and watermelon, which also replenish electrolytes. Then in late-July transition to demulcents like peaches, grapes and okra.
Turn your plate into your medicine cabinet and eat in a way that feeds you body, mind and soul. Check the grocery list below for more examples.
July Wellness Tips
Download these PDFs to access a complete wellness handbook containing:
Grocery list
Movement practices
Self-care practices
Recipe of the Month
Beat the summer heat with our refreshing Cucumber & Coconut Cooler recipe—perfectly hydrating and deliciously invigorating!
Cucumber & Coconut Cooler