So…I confess…summer is not my favourite season. While I love the fresh fruit and veggies, the sun, sand and surf – I could do without the HEAT!
The beauty of Traditional Medicine is that one of its primary tenets is eating for the season and maintaining balance. Summer is associated with the fire element so eating should be about helping to cool down your body’s natural fire. There are lots of ways to stay healthy, happy and cool during the next few months…here are some of my favourites.
Hydrate! Water is so important to your overall health but in the summer months it takes on a new urgency. Tired of water? Try coconut water on extra hot days or watermelon juice which not only hydrates but helps cleanse your body as well.
Eat the season. Love fruit? Summer is for you. Enjoy all the strawberries, peaches, watermelon and apples you can. Veggies are great as well…I love bok choy, zucchini, asparagus and super cooling cucumber.
Sleep the season. Summer is about rising earlier, going to bed later and taking a little nap in the afternoon. Try to remember that by getting a head start on the day you are beating the worst of heat and being more productive.
Have lots of fun. If summer is about anything it’s about joy. Try to remember when you were little and running through the sprinklers, swimming at the beach or riding your bike. Find joy in all the small things and be a child again.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Anger is bad for your heart which means it isn’t worth letting frustration and stress rule your life. Keep calm and carry on. Stay cool – figuratively and literally - you’ll be glad you did.
Indulge in self-care. Acupuncture is awesome and will help your body balance itself as we transition into the warmer months. Relaxation and rejuvenation are what’s summer is all about. Be good to yourself and you’ll be good to others.