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Summer is here! That means we need to get ready for the extreme heat now. Days with the sun shining bright and evenings with thawing bodies. No matter how much you stay inside those air-conditioned rooms, you just cannot ignore the fact that the immense heat can lower your productivity. It makes you feel lethargic and limits you to the comfortable environment of air conditioned rooms only.
But, what else can we do? When the temperature soars, you feel restricted to do more productive jobs. Your body signals you to eat and drink chilled beverages and relax. But what are some other ways you can stay comfortable this summer.
How Seasonal Change, Changes Things
At OMKITCHEN, we have always focused on the value of acting according to the season. And this time, we are not here to talk just about food. Although it plays a great role in keeping your body favourable to the weather, there are also some other elements that can help you keep cool and stay comfortable during the hot summer.
According to Ayurveda, acting as per the seasonal change is called RituCharya. We have talked about this in our previous blog. When the season changes, the dosha inside our body also changes. India majorly experiences three seasons that are summer, monsoons and winter. We tend to eat a lot of cool things in summer and winter is the time for everything to be piping hot.
So, now that we know why it is necessary to change our foods and habits according to the season, let's step it up to the next level.
Common Health Problems During Summer
Food habits and conduct are the two things that can ease-off the brutal summer weather. Suitable and favourable habits can keep you healthy and happy. When you are healthy, you are free. Free from any kind of illness, medication and hospitalization. Here are some problems that can be faced by people as a result of heavy summers.
- Skin problems
- Digestive disorders, gastric, nausea, bloating
- Weak immune system
- A noticeable drop in energy
- Insomnia
- Body odor
- Body aches, back-pains etc.
So, how can we refrain from these problems to stay healthy and comfortable during the summer? Let's see.
How to Stay Comfortable in Summer Heat
North India experiences the commencement of the hot summer season starting in April with it lasting as long as three to four months before the monsoon arrives. We have accounted for some useful tips that can help you to be comfortable inside and out during these months of summer.
1. The Food You Eat
Food is everything. It makes the biggest difference in your health and comfort from the inside. So, the foods that are good to be eaten during the summer include:
- Watery fruits like all kinds of melons, apples, kiwis, berries and grapes.
- Cooling foods like mint, cucumber, yoghurt, curd, lemon etc.
- Add salad as a must in your meals. Your body needs extra roughage and fibre now more than ever.
- Eat more whole grains and green vegetables to help boost your immunity.
2. The Clothes You Wear
You would not survive winters without your warm coats and jackets. Similarly, your summer wardrobe should also be suitable for hot weather. Pick the most comfortable clothes. Cotton, muslin and linen are the best kind of fabrics for summers. They will keep you cool and comfortable. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that would not allow your body and skin to breathe comfortably.
3. Avoid Fried Foods
Fried food is always tempting. French fries, samosa and pakoras can be very tough to stay away from. But, they are the core reason for indigestion, gastric and bloating in summers. Too much heat and fried food can be a bad combination.
4. Be Sun Ready
You would not like to step out in the summer sun unprotected. Hot winds can hit you just as hard as the heat itself so no matter what, you always need to be sun ready. Carry a scarf or cap with you to protect sensitive areas of skin that are likely to burn. Keep your sunglasses handy and use a good quality, chemical-free sunscreen to avoid any skin allergies or sun-burns.
5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key to surviving summer. Drink plenty of water to keep your energy up or even make a healthy switch to a lemonade, buttermilk/lassi or coconut water. These are natural energy-drinks that will keep your glucose levels up and ensure that you will feel active no matter how hot the weather might be.
6. Avoid Caffeine
Your body will always tell you what to consume and what to avoid. Even if you are someone who loves their coffee and caffeine, it’s important to try to avoid this craving when the weather is at its warmest. Your body does not need regular caffeine so go for healthy drinks, like smoothies, cold-pressed juices as a handy alternative.
7. Stay Active
Lethargy is a summer mood due to the excessive heat. But, we cannot stop being regular in our work. So, here is the solution. Indulge in some good exercise. Talk a long morning or evening walk. It will help you in staying active for the whole day.
Your protein intake should be higher during the summer season. So, with exercise, add an ample amount of legumes, sprouts and grains into your diet. Good exercise will also help you in dealing with your body-aches and insomnia.
Conclusion
Summer is the time for lots of colours and varieties. Time for mangoes and berries, yoghurts, curd and buttermilk. Instead of hogging over ice-creams and sodas, pick your natural coolers. Eat cucumber salad and homemade dishes that are free from any harmful elements. Do not forget to take a cold shower before sleeping as a regular habit to help ensure you are able to rest comfortably. It will keep you cool and comfortable in this summer heat and will also help you truly make the most of your summer.
