704: How to Calm Anxiety in the Summer Heat
Today we're sharing tips from Ayurveda (India's ancient science of life) on how to calm your anxiety in the Summer heat.
Notes from this episode:
Practice the Cooling breath
Sitali - the cooling breath - is pranayama or yoga breathing technique for cooling the body and mind, and calming elevated pitta.
It’s very helpful in hot weather for cooling down.
How to do it:
Sit in a comfortable position with your neck and back softly straight.
Take some deep belly breaths for a couple of minutes.
Now form your lips into an “o” shape and stick your tongue out slightly with the sides curled up slightly.
Breath in deeply as if your tongue is acting a bit like a straw and feel your breath cooling the length of your tongue and mouth.
Close your mouth and breath out through your nose and repeat for a couple of minutes.
Remain seated taking calm natural breaths for another minute or two.
Keep Hydrated
Coconut water (and oil on skin)
Watermelon
Avoid hot pungent foods:
oily, salty, citrus or sour fruits, caffeine and alcohol
In India alcohol is referred to as hot drinks because of it’s fiery nature and effect)
Keep your diet light, cool and simple:
Rice and vegetables coriander
Sweet, juicy, cooling fruits: red grapes, melon, mango
Cooling teas
Mint
Fennel
Rose
Coriander
Cooling attitudes:
Practice moderation and attitude adjustment
In Ayurveda known as behavioural rasayana
Be kind and courteous
Avoid getting competitive
Be mindful of your emotional triggers
Avoid intense discussion or arguments
See the humour in things
Spend time in nature
Walk early in the morning, or in the evening or the cool times of the day
Stand outside under the moonlight and practice simple breathing meditation
Go swimming rather than sitting in the Sun
Keep out of the intensity of the mid day and afternoon sun
Taking mindful breaks can help us step out of the cycle of rushing and worry which can easily peak stress and anxiety during the summer months