Creating better routines for your wellbeing: Summer edition
As we shift from one season to the next our bodies and minds require different approaches to our health and well-being care.
Each season is different in how it effects us mentally and physically and how it changes the environment around us.
If you missed it I also have a Spring edition of this series.
While the shift from Spring to Summer isn’t as jarring or different as the Winter to Spring shift there are still plenty of ways we can make changes to better support our bodies needs through this season.
The Energy of Summer
Summer is the energy of fire. While Springs energy is light, airy, and refreshing, Summers energy is high, full on, and can be hot and heavy, tending to lethargic. The nice thing about Summer is that its dual energies are balancing and ensure that we don’t end up burnt out.
Marked by the Summer Solstice which is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere Summer is the season where we have the most energy and exuberance for life. The days are the longest and warmest, we have the most hours of sunlight (and vitamin D), and more outward-facing energy and focus.
Summer is the season when all the hard work and heavy lifting happens when it comes to working towards and achieving any goals and plans for the year. After laying the groundwork and making plans in Spring you should be spending the summer season putting those plans into action and taking big leaps forward.
But don’t forget to take time off for yourself too! We must still find time for self care and rest in every season, and while it is most tempting in summer to ‘keep going’ just because there is so much to do. That doesn’t mean that you should!!
Summer months are also for laying in the sun, lazing at the beach with a good book, taking afternoon naps, and enjoying the delicious fruits and abundance of flowers in this season. Be playful and embrace your inner child.
This season is all about expansion of mind, body, soul, and life. Chasing those dreams and goals and making them even better than you thought possible!
Ways summer can impact the body and mind
While summer is a wonderful time of year it can bring it’s own unique challenges and particular areas of health that need a little extra care and attention. Not everyone copes well in the heat, and some immune systems don’t deal too well with all of the pollen and allergens floating around. Common health issues and things you may need to think about more through the summer months include:
Allergies
Heat
Bugs and bites
Burns
Water and dehydration
It can take our bodies a while to adjust to summer temperatures and any prolonged time in the sun can lead to heat stroke, sun burn, headaches.
Plant and tree pollen as well as bugs are at their height during summer, especially evil horse flies!
And we sweat more during the summer as well as being more active which means we are more likely to get dehydrated.
Seasonal habits and routines for Summer
Each season affects our bodies and minds differently and so it is only natural that our needs fluctuate and change depending on the season and time of year. Here are some simple things to think about and start incorporating into your daily routine for summer, along with habit changes that can help you to better nourish and improve your health and wellbeing.
Eat lots of water full foods
As we mentioned above hydration is key during the hot seasons of the year. We are also naturally craving lighter foods as a pose to the heavier root vegetables and carbohydrates our body needs to file is during the winter months. Water heavy fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuces, tomatoes, beetroot’s peaches, and other berries are perfect for fuel in the body at this time of year, getting lots of antioxidants to protect your skin from the sun, and making sure you are getting plenty of water in your diet as well as essential electrolytes
Skincare
Your skin needs a lot of extra love and attention during the summer. As well as sunburn and day-to-day sun exposure, it too can become dehydrated. It is also more likely to be dry and irritated in this season and can deal with issues like heat rash, bug bites, nettle stings etc. while we spend more time outdoors and exposed to the elements.
As well as including lots of antioxidants in your diet, and drinking plenty of water adding nuts and seeds are grey for your skin. It’s also beneficial and important to keep your skin moisturised and protected externally too — oils such as sesame, avocado or almond oil are great for moisture if the whole body; apply to wet skin straight after a shower/bath daily to keep your skin silky smooth and moisturised.
As for sunburn; coconut oil and aloe Vera are your greatest friends here. Apply a combination of the two to both cool and soothe/moisturise burnt and irritated skin. If you can, alloying a layer of organic natural raw honey and sleeping with it overnight is amazing for healing the skin, stopping itching, and protecting the skin barrier.
Barefoot
In summer I go barefoot as often as possible. Not only is it better for your posture and body mechanics, it’s connecting you to the earth. There are SO many health benefits to having your feet in contact with the soil, it’s grounding and helps your body release toxins whilst absorbing negative oils from the earth that enhance immune function, neutralise free radicals, purify the blood, and revitalise cell metabolism.
Spend a few minutes each day walking barefoot in the grass or soil to ground your body, connect you to the earth, and allow you to absorb all those negative ions.
Ways to deal with allergies
Allergies and hay fever can ruin even the nicest summer day. Plan pollen is at its height as well as grass pollen. There are a few things you can do to help relieve and prevent allergic reactions;
A teaspoon of Raw local honey daily, as well as taking nettle as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form, and using beeswax to coat eyelashes and nose to stop pollen from getting in can all help.
Bug protection
Some of us are more prone to attract biting bugs and insects than others if like me you always seem to be the snack that the bugs go for and end up bitten each time you leave the house then a DIY blend of the following essential oils can help keep most bugs away including mosquitoes, horse flies, gnats, ticks, etc.
Mix together equal amounts of lime, rosemary, frankincense, cedarwood, and lavender essential oils in 50ml of almond oil, shake, and dab a few drops onto all of your pulse points and exposed skin before you leave the house.
Yarrow is also a great insect repellent.
Earlier morning and more daylight (being mindful of still getting good sleep!)
Daylight hours in the summer are much longer, so it is natural and good to have longer days during the summer months. It is also important to remember to get eight good hours of quality sleep each night.
Personally, I prefer waking up with the sunrise and then going to bed at my normal time each day, but if you are more of a night owl, you may prefer staying up until the sunset. I’m getting up later each morning.
To make sure you are still managing to get 8 hours of quality sleep during the summer. You may find it helpful to get an eye mask for sleeping, or even use blackout blinds so as not to have the daylight interrupt your sleep.
Sun gazing
Did you know looking at the sun for a few minutes each morning has both physical and psychological benefits for you? These include more energy, better sleep (because it resets the circadian rhythm), and lowering stress.
Early morning just as the sun is rising is best for this, and making sure not to look directly at the sun will protect your eyes. You can take a few moments to just sit and gaze at the sun to wake up, or go for an early morning walk in the direction of the sunrize and taking deep breaths take a few moments to absorb and appreciate the sun’s energy and warmth to wake you up and start the day.
Cooling Summers Fire energy
Summers fire energy can feel a little overwhelming for some. To balance the fire energy of Summer you can take cold showers, spend time near or in the water, or regularly go freshwater or sea swimming [water element].
Walk barefoot, and spend time gardening with your feet in the earth [earth element].
Drink dandelion tea, use elderflower syrup, eat fresh fruits, and try being playful, creative, and socialising or learning something new [air element].
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEASONAL PRODUCTIVITY?
If you would like to learn more about seasonal productivity and a cyclical approach to life & work you can read my eBook; Seasonal Alchemy, your guide to diving deeper into the world of seasonal & cyclical living for planning with the rhythms of nature. You can also check out the accompanying Seasonal Life planner…
Combined these two resources offer you seasonal guidance for health, productivity & creating a balanced, intentional life plus a framework that offers easy reference to help you stay aligned with your natural rhythms all year round, eat seasonally, stay mindful & connected… and SO MUCH MORE
xo Emily
