Published by Kerry Meath-Sinkin
When we think about summer, what comes to mind? There is more sun, it is often very hot, and the days are longer. The environment impacts our bodies in different ways. Depending on your body type the summer can move out stagnation and invite vitality, while for others, the increased heat can dry you out and provoke various symptoms of a heat imbalance.
If you are someone who tends to get cold, sluggish, or depressed, then you may welcome summer as a breath of fresh air. The increased sunlight, warmth, and longer days bring more fire and life into your system. What this means is that internally your digestion improves, you may feel more vibrant, and you may experience less congestion. If this is you, then enjoy and immerse yourself in the active and outgoing nature of summer.
Physically, this is a great time for you to get outside in the morning for walks, or head out for some hikes in nature. Nutritionally, this is a great time to keep foods light and enjoy the foods available in the summer including lots of leafy greens, fresh berries, and light grains such as amaranth, barley and quinoa. This is also a great time to steer clear of fried foods and heavy baked sweets. Take advantage of the warmth and enjoy the extra fire it brings you. You may consider enjoying morning walks, or daily hikes.
If you are someone who naturally has more heat in your system, which may include signs such as skin irritations, headaches, acid indigestion, or inflammation, then the heat may impact you more adversely. You may want to consider creating seasonal shifts to help keep you cool and balanced. Physically, you may want to minimize intense physical activity especially during the middle of a hot or sunny day, because intense physical activity can drive up the heat in our bodies even more. Consider instead moderate exercise, and remember to take time out to rest and relax when your body calls for it.
Nutritionally, you generally want to incorporate lots of fresh local vegetables and fruits to help cool the body (cucumbers, sprouts, leafy sprouts, fresh berries). However, with too much heat, you also want to be particularly good about avoiding fried foods, too much spicy food, or black coffee, as these can quickly build up too much heat. Finally, you may also want to incorporate more flowery essential oils* in your life. Consider diffusing or externally applying some rose water, sandalwood, frankincense, saffron, chamomile, gardenia or jasmine.
*If you haven’t used essential oils before remember to use them in moderation. The most popular way to use them is by diffusing them in a diffuser made for essential oils. You can also put a few drops on your wrist, and smell them or consider using a drop of food grade essential oils in a beverage.
If you are someone who tends to get dried out in the summer, then you may want consider adding foods and activities to keep you moist and hydrated. Similar to above, you may want to reduce overly intense activities such as running long distances, and instead favor swimming, flowing yoga, walking, or restorative movements. Nutritionally, you may want to incorporate lots of juicy fruits (berries, grapes, melons), juicy vegetables (cucumber, avocado, tomatoes), and good fats such as nuts, ghee and eggs.
In the end, just remember to listen to your body and have fun.
Kerry Meath-Sinkin is a registered investment advisor and financial planner based in Minneapolis. She graduated with honors from Brown, and works with clients not only in the Twin Cities, but nationwide. Kerry believes in a holistic approach to finance. She works with her clients to develop a practical plan with their finances, while also working on their inner relationship with money. Together, these aspects allow clients to feel healthy, abundant, and free. Kerry also has a passion for healthy living, is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and public health educator. Click here to learn more about Kerry.
