599: How to calm your anxiety in the heat of the summer

Tips from Ayurveda on calming summer heat and anxiety

This week on the Anxiety Slayer podcast we're sharing tips from Ayurveda (India's ancient science of life) on how to calm your anxiety in the Summer heat.

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Points covered in this episode:

Summer anxiety is different

When we heat up we can feel a certain type of anxiety that’s restless and often frustrated self-critical, impatient.

WE EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANXIETY ACCORDING TO OUR MIND TYPE or DOSHA

Anxiety levels can vary for each of us depending on our dosha. It can also be influenced by the season…

Vata - scattered, rush from one incomplete task or action to another, forgetful, may skip meals, turn up late, become increasingly inattentive and scattered.

Pitta - feels the need to complete many tasks, must get things done, driven to be efficient, may even be competitive about it. Will turn on themselves if they feel they are not achieving enough and quickly enough. Frustration, impatience with self and others. Perfectionism.

Kapha - Inertia, fearful, low energy, comfort eating etc. Tendency more toward depression vs. anxiety.


KEEP HYDRATED

Coconut water (and oil on skin)

Watermelon


AVOID HOT AND SPICY FOODS

Oily, salty, citrus or sour fruits, caffeine and alcohol

In India alcohol is referred to as a hot drink because of it’s fiery nature and effect


KEEP YOUR DIET LIGHT, COOL AND SIMPLE:

Rice and vegetables with Coriander

Sweet, juicy, cooling fruits: red grapes, melon, mango

Summer greens


COOLING TEAS

Mint

Fennel

Rose

Coriander


PRACTICE COOLING ATTITUDES

In Ayurveda known as behavioral Rasayana (tonic)

Be kind to yourself and others

Avoid getting competitive

Be playful

Be mindful of your emotional triggers

Avoid intense discussion or arguments

Look for the humor in things

After this short break, we’ll share a cooling breathing practice.


Cooling and calming breathing practice

Ayurveda and Yoga both share a collection of breathing practices for health and peace of mind. One of these practices is especially helpful for cooling the body and calming your nerves…

It’s called Sitali. Sitali is recommended in the Summer months for cooling heat in the body and mind, calming anxiety, reducing anger and frustration, it also helps relieve fatigue from heat.


How to practice the cooling breath:

Sit in a comfortable position with your neck and back soft and 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.


SPEND TIME IN NATURE

Move your body early in the morning, or in the evening during the cool times of the day

Stand outside under the moonlight and take some deep cleansing breaths

Go swimming rather than sitting in the Sun, or take a cooling shower or oat or salt bath

Keep out of the intensity of the midday and afternoon sun

Taking mindful breaks can help you step out of the cycle of rushing and worry which can easily peak stress and anxiety during the summer months.


If you want to learn more about Ayurveda, join us on our Patreon where you can get a deeper dive into some of the topics we cover as well as over 100 downloads, including all our guided relaxations and Tapping Sessions. Learn more at https://www.patreon.com/anxietyslayer