WELLNESS PRACTICES TO STAY COOL WHEN IT’S HOT AF

The country is in the midst of an intense heat wave with no rest for sun dwellers. Whether you are in the city, suburbs or in the middle of the dessert, you need to find ways to stay cool and blissed. There was time where ancient cooling practices were essential for survival and as a yoga teacher and student of Ayurveda medicine, I’m sharing these wellness practices to help you naturally beat the heat. Check out of my faves below to stay cool and enjoy your summer.

BEGIN YOUR DAY HYDRATING

Morning hydration is good for you all year ’round, but drinking 20 ounces of room temperature water (add lemon) will enhance the way your body responds to heat the entire day.

INCORPORATE ALOE VERA 

Instead of relying on aloe post-sun, I swear by aloe daily after my shower to seal in moisture from lotion and cool me down. You can also purchase aloe vera from your local Whole Food to eat or add juice to your diet for more lubrication and cooling.

EAT COOLING FOODS

Embrace foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and cantaloupe to stay cool at beat the heat. Black people loving watermelon is not just a prejudice stereotype, but was crucial for slaves to cool down in the hot fields. Spice up the flavor by adding mint or a bit of Tajin. Avoid sugary fruits, alcohol and caffeine, as they are inflammatory and counterproductive.

TRY BREATH WORK

Next time your are feeling overwhelmed and irritable in the heat, try a simple breath work exercise or prayama breathing to lower your heart rate and cool down. Sit or stand with your eyes closed and focus on the space between your eyesbrows to find your center. Breathe deeply for a few slow breaths. Then curl your tongue and breathe in through the straw like opening (like a taco shell) in your mouth. This technique has a cooling effect on the entire body. Exhale through your nose and repeat for 2-3 minutes. If you are gasping or uncomfortable, take a break.

COOL DOWN WITH RESTORATIVE YOGA

A wonderful way to cool down and prepare for bed is placing your legs up against a wall. This restorative pose helps filter the blood in your legs and lowers your heart rate. It is a great pose to try before you rest, especially if you are without AC. Bonus, your lower back is releasing tension too!

I hope you can implement these wellness practices to have a cooler summer. For some hot weather style inspiration check out this look below and stay sun-kissed and blissed.