Seasonal Living: Summer Food, Lifestyle + Movement Tips

We’ve finally reached the over 70 degrees days here in New England!

As many of you know, our bodies are closely connected to the seasons of nature. You know the feeling when your joints hurt when it rains? Yes.

At this point of the year, the earth is tilted more towards the sun during the summer months, hence the increased heat we feel.

Our bodies are designed to align with this shift by changing our diet and lifestyle habits to match the season’s energy. To some degree, we do this stuff already. Think fresh watermelon and popsicles on a hot day compared to thick, hearty stews on a cold day.

When we are out of alignment with nature, it shows up in the body + mind as disharmony. We develop joint pain, headaches, digestive issues, inflammation, depression, anxiety, weight gain or just feel slightly off. 

Seasonal living is a great way to reconnect to what’s happening in nature around you and to reconnect to your body’s natural rhythms.

You'll start to feel lighter, more energetic, peaceful + grounded, + maybe even have more moments of clarity in your life.

Food:

Think cooling, light, sweet, bitter and astringent (dry) to balance out heat in the body.

Teas:

Peppermint

Hibiscus

Rose

Lime

Dandelion

Herbs and Spices:

Dill

Parsley

Cilantro

Coriander

Coconut

Berries

Watermelon

Lime

White meat

Light Fish

Cucumbers

Leafy greens

Asparagus

Celery

I love finding a local farmer's market.

Lifestyle:

Massage the body with coconut oil.

Take cooler showers + baths.

Spend more time under a canopy of trees or in the water. I love to paddle board during the summer months.

Sit under the cooling energy of the moon at night.

Movement:

Pay attention to your body’s internal temperature! If you’re someone who tends to overheat, be sure to exercise in a way that doesn’t exacerbate the issue. Exercise at a slower pace in a cool room. Swim, kayak, surf or paddle board. Bike where there’s more shade and wind. Hike near water or under trees.

Always drink lots of water.

Summer is associated with the element of fire. And what snuffs out a flame? Water.

Maybe it's a sign to be with her cooling energy.