June 14, 2017
Summer! That word will either cause you to shout in delight or cringe in disgust. Regardless of how you may feel about summer the fact is that we need to know just how to stay cool. Below you find just a few ways to stay cool this summer.
1. Avoid long periods of exposure to the heat.
If you have a long outdoor project, get up extra early or schedule your activities according to where you will have shade during certain parts of the day. Be mindful of your body’s messages.
If you’re dizzy, you’ve stayed out too long.
2. Cover up
Yup, cover up. Covering up will encourage your body to sweat, the clothing will harbor the sweat, the sweat will drench the clothing, a little wind and voila you have a portable swamp cooler!
3. Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.
If you like outdoor activities, do them earlier in the morning or at dusk when temperatures are slightly cooler. Opt for light outdoor activities such as light gardening, swimming or gently yoga, instead of higher intensity activities.
Summer is yang (high intensity, heat) and you want to balance with yin (low intensity, cool).
4. Stay hydrated.
Don't wait to feel thirsty. If you feel thirsty you’re already dehydrated! According to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women.
Everything must be done with moderation and intelligently. Please keep in mind that water is not innocuous. There is such a thing as water poisoning (hyperhydration). So hydrate correctly.
5. Avoid dehydrating drinks.
Drinks like coffee, caffeinated teas, alcohol, sodas, milk, and energy drinks act as diuretics in your system. Though they may be nice to drink during a hot summer day or sip on during a summer evening they may be doing you more harm than good. Any diuretic will increase urination thereby causing dehydration and an increase in the sensation of thirst. If you should decide to have the drinks above then make sure to include water to offset the dehydrating effects of those drinks.
6. Avoid high sodium foods.
Higher sodium will cause a fluid shift in your system causing dehydration; so avoid high sodium foods such as cured meats, soy sauce, bouillon cubes, deep-fried foods, popcorn, fast food, potato chips, tinned foods, deli meats, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings. Simple thing to keep in mind: if it's processed it will most likely be high in sodium.
7. Incorporate hydrating/cool foods and drinks.
Add high water content/cooling foods like watermelon, grapefruit/citrus, celery, cucumbers, mint, rosemary, lemons, citrus, and strawberries.
Caveat: cooling foods cool the body by draining (diuretics) heat. Should this dissuade you from using them? No! Just be mindful and always practice moderation.
Watermelon Drink
By far one of the most delicious ways to refresh yourself.
I can truly say that this was one of my happiest accidents ever.
Ingredients
Fresh watermelon
Fresh peppermint (not necessary)
2-3 small ice cubes (if any at all)
Instructions
1. Take slices of watermelon and cut out as much of the red and white flesh of the watermelon.
2. Place those pieces into a blender.
3. Add a 1 or 2 leafs of fresh peppermint.
4. Add 2-3 small ice cubes.
5. Blend away.
Aaaaaahhhh refreshing!!
You won’t need to add sugar. The watermelon has enough flavor all by its lonesome!
In Chinese Materia Medica, watermelon is cold sweet, promotes urination, and lubricates intestines. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that you drink a glass of fresh watermelon juice to relieve dizziness from sunstroke. (Chinese Natural Cures by Henry C. Lu).
Enjoy!
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