Summer is known as Grishma in Sanskrit, and each season has its unique self-care regimen or Charya in Sanskrit. To fully embrace the summer season, it’s important to follow a regimen that aligns with the rhythms of nature, while knowing the crucial summer health tips. This helps to keep our minds and bodies balanced and alleviates any imbalances that may arise during this time.
Summertime heat can take a toll on our bodies, leaving us feeling depleted and sluggish. The sun’s rays are intense during this season, which can cause a loss of moisture (Kapha) or cooling properties in the air.
As a result, heat and dryness accumulate in our bodies, leading to a feeling of low energy and a lack of enthusiasm. The fire element dominates during this season, intensifying the heat and exacerbating these problems.
Summertime can be tough on our bodies – the heat can throw off our digestion and cause pitta dosha to rise. That’s why we are sharing some old-school summer health tips, ideas, and activities to keep your body cool and refreshed.
Also Read: What is Gara Visha in Ayurveda?
Summer Health Tip #1: Use The Right Vessels
According to experts, attention to the right kind of food containers can help keep your body temperature naturally cool. Opting for earthen pots, ironware, and copper utensils are smart choices. Not only do they add a unique touch to your kitchen, but they also offer a natural way to maintain a comfortable internal temperature.
Earthen Pots
Not only do earthen pots naturally cool water, but they also add an alkaline boost that’s better for your body than artificially-cooled refrigerated water. It is one of the top summer wellness tips to follow this season.
Copper Vessels
According to Ayurveda, drinking water stored in copper vessels can help balance the three doshas, leading to boosted immunity, improved digestion, and stronger joints. Plus, copper vessels act as a natural oxidant, speeding up the healing of wounds and improving blood circulation.
Cooking with ironware, earthenware, or copper is more than just a culinary choice – it’s also a health and wellness practice. These cooking vessels have a unique ability to infuse food with alkaline properties and distribute heat evenly, which helps retain vital nutrients.
But the health benefits don’t stop there! Cooking with these materials also helps to strengthen bones and muscles, while reducing the risk of disease.
Also Read: Clay Pot Water in Summer
Summer Health Tip #2: Have Regional Summer Season Drinks
This summer, stay hydrated with a refreshing twist! Hydration is key, and there’s more to it than just chugging water. Cool off with traditional and regional Indian summer drinks that are not only delicious but also pack a punch of health benefits.
Bela Panna
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Bela panna, the special summer drink straight from Odisha. This beverage is made with exotic wood apple or bael pulp, blended with ripe mango pulp, grated coconut, sugar, milk curd, pepper, yogurt, and cardamom powder. Pour in chilled water and enjoy the delightful flavors of this amazing cooler.
Rajasthani Rabdi/ Chaach Rabdi
Discover the healthy and refreshing taste of Bajre ki Raab, a traditional drink from Rajasthan. This nutritious beverage is made with pearl millet flour and yogurt and can be served either warm in winter or cold in summer.
During hot summer months, people in desert regions even make it with dried vegetables like Ker Sangri. Not only does the Raab help wash down oily foods, but it also boosts the immune system and encourages digestion.
Babri Beol
Discover the taste of the northern region of India with the famous summer drink, Babri Beol. With just a few simple ingredients, including refreshing basil seeds and coconut, this beverage is refreshing and satisfying.
Translating to “precious jewels” in the local language, it’s no wonder the seeds are called Kan, as they turn into translucent pearls when soaked in water. Quench your thirst and indulge in the subtle flavor of Babri Beol.
Panakam
The delicious and refreshing taste of Panakam – a traditional drink hailing from Tamil Nadu is made with natural ingredients such as jaggery, ginger powder, cardamom powder, lemon juice, and black pepper. This thirst-quencher is packed with authentic flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Shikanji
Looking for a refreshing pick-me-up that’s both simple and flavorful? Shikanji is the perfect solution! This drink is made with a few basic ingredients – fresh lemon, water, some roasted cumin, and a handful of mint leaves – and can help you feel revitalized in seconds.
Whether you need a mid-day energy boost or a tasty beverage to sip on during a hot day, Shikanji won’t disappoint.
Also Read: Why Two Meals a Day Is Better Than Three?
Summer Health Tip #3: Tweak Your Lifestyle and Routine
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of ritucharya – adapting to seasonal changes to stay healthy and active.
As we approach Grishma Ritu, a few simple lifestyle tweaks can help maintain your well-being throughout the summer:
- If you can then take a short nap during the day in a cool spot to combat shorter nights and excess heat.
- Apply Sandalwood or Multani mitti paste over your entire body for a refreshing feeling before taking a cool water bath.
- Stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the sun, especially during the peak hours.
- Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing like Cotton and Mulmul and cool, flowery perfumes.
- Avoid overexertion and strenuous exercise during the hot summer season.
- Cooling your outdoor space or terrace can help reduce the overall temperature in your home. However, running water can be wasteful and ineffective. Instead, consider utilizing evaporative cooling with just a small amount of water. By periodically sprinkling water, you can efficiently cool your terrace while also conserving water.
Also Read: Drinking too Much Watch, Right or Wrong?
Summer Season FAQs
Grishma Ritu is a season in the Hindu calendar that corresponds to summer. It typically begins in mid-May and lasts until mid-July.
During this season, the weather is usually hot and dry, and people often experience high temperatures and intense sunlight. It is also a time when people take extra care and follow the health tips for summer to stay cool and hydrated, and traditional remedies like drinking coconut water, buttermilk, and lemon juice are commonly consumed to beat the heat.
The amount of water one should drink in summer depends on various factors such as age, gender, weight, activity level, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses (2-2.5 liters) of water per day to stay hydrated during summer.
In hot and humid climates, you may need to drink more water to replace the fluids lost through sweating. If you are physically active or exercising, you may also need to drink more water to replenish the fluids lost through sweat.
At Last,
We hope this write-up answered your question- how to stay healthy in summer season. Grishma Ritu, the season of scorching heat and intense sunshine, demands some serious lifestyle changes for a healthier you. To stay active, it’s essential to stay hydrated, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and take shelter indoors whenever possible. These small adjustments can go a long way in helping you sail through the two hottest months of the year. So, gear up to make the most of this season, and take good care of yourself!
