Summer trip tips to stay calm and cool
“Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures.”
– Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Summer solstice marked the brightest and longest day of the year. The weather is heating up and the summery clothing is coming out as this is the season when Pitta Dosha, (the bodily process and bioenergetic force that is composed of predominately fire and also water elements), is increasing internally in our bodies and in our external environments.
When Pitta dosha is balanced positive qualities such as radiating confidence; being courageous; having a sharp intellect, precision and good concentration; a glowing, lustrous complexion; shiny hair; a strong appetite and metabolism; and being loving and contented are all enjoyed.
When Pitta dosha is imbalanced it can debilitate and impair the body’s proper functioning of digestion, metabolism and transformation thus leading to a variety of complaints such as hyperacidity (or acid reflux); inflammation; skin disorders like rashes and acne; anger, less patience, tolerance, and irritability; and sometimes interrupted sleep problems.
Here are helpful tips to keep cool, balance digestion and stay energised during the rising temperatures:
Avoid running, sunbathing and rigorous activities at the hottest times of the day as this aggravates Pitta Dosha. Gentle moonlight walks looking up at the stars or strolling through beautiful, natural surroundings as well as swimming in the early morning and late afternoon will cool and balance Pitta.
During warm days, one should drink approximately two and a half litres, 6-8 glasses, of cool water to stay hydrated. Organic coconut water is also very refreshing and hydrating. It is best to avoid alcohol and caffeine which have a heating or drying out effect on the body.
Try digital detoxing – staying off devices and screens as much as possible to balance the subdosha, Alochaka Pitta, which is responsible for eye health.
Practice Transcendental Meditation for 20 minutes twice a day – on the bus, train, plane, in your hotel room or on the beach to help balance moods, reduce anger and irritability in the heat, and destress. Simple breathing techniques (pranayama) can also be helpful in calming and cooling.
“Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures.”
- Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Travelling may elevate our souls and provide adventure; however, it is essential to keep Vata Dosha stable as it is the first Dosha to go out of balance. Vata is composed of air and ether or space elements and is responsible for all mind-body processes and movement such as blood flow, breathing, waste elimination and thinking.
When Vata is out of balance during travelling, disorders and symptoms can arise such as depleted energy, fatigue, tiredness; anxiety, forgetfulness and worry; being “scatterbrained or spaced out”; feeling cold in one’s body; sleep problems; digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, excess gas; and poor circulation.
To prevent or alleviate any Vata imbalances which may arise I recommend the following tips:
Keep regularity in your routine by arising before 6 AM at your destination to maximise your day, avoid lethargy, maintain mental clarity and energy levels during the day, and try to go to bed by 11 PM.
Sip warm cinnamon or Vata tea whilst travelling and at room temperature during the day as it calms the mind, and also has a comforting effect on the body and digestive system.
Favour warm, oily and heavy in quality foods with sweet tastes and avoid too many cold, dry and raw foods. It is best not to skip meals or eat whilst on the move or in distracting, noisy surroundings.
Use energising citrus or invigorating lemongrass aroma oils to start the day.
When Vata is balanced you can enjoy mental clarity; feeling enthusiastic and vibrant; being imaginative; having flexibility, quick reflexes and responses on your journey.
