Maintaining Balance Through the Summer

• June 7, 2021
• By Skylar Gross

Maintaining Balance Through the Summer

Concepts and practices like yoga, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine and Yin/Yang all have a strong focus on maintaining homeostasis within the body. The summer months often bring with them warmer temperatures, which can lead to greater activity, increased Vitamin D levels, higher body temperature as well as other physical symptoms such as indigestion and burning eyes.

By learning to adjust to the different seasons, we are able to continue to bring our body back to a state of balance. Here are a few things to try incorporating this summer:

Focus on calming, cooling postures.

1. Forward folds
2. Spinal twists
3. Moon salutations
4. Supported inversions, such as Legs Up the Wall and Supported Shoulderstand
5. Backbends, such as Cobra, Fish and Supported Bridge

Incorporate smooth, fluid breathwork.

1. Cooling pranayama, such as sheetali or sheetkari
2. Single-nostril breathing, focusing on the left nostril for summer

Eat seasonally.

Eating seasonally is another great way to help support our bodies. One great way to do this is by shopping at your local farmer’s market! In the summer, try incorporating:

1. Cooling foods, such as melons and cucumbers
2. Leafy greens
3. Lighter meals that require minimal cooking
4. Fresh herbs and spices, such as mint, fennel, cilantro, cumin and coriander
5. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water! Coconut water is a good alternative and contains electrolytes. Or try infusing your water with things such as citrus, berries, mint or food-grade essential oils.

If you’re interested in learning more about concepts such as Ayurveda and Yin, check out these trainings!

1. Yin 
2. Therapy

300 Hour Masters, particularly the Deeper Yogic Study and History of Yoga and Teaching Methodology modules