It’s officially the change of season, and if you don’t want to overheat and burnout, it’s critical that you make changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Summer is the season of heat, long hours of sunlight and full-on activity! If your diet and lifestyle run hot during this season then you could experience physical symptoms such as skin problems and breakouts, acid reflux and bouts of urgently needing a bathroom 🙁

Emotionally you may experience increased anger, frustration and stress. This can lead to confrontations with family and co-workers, overwhelm and burnout.

Here are three of my favorite, and perhaps not-so-well-known summer diet and lifestyle practices to keep you cool as a cucumber this season.

Moon Bathing

Most of us sun bathe during the summer, but have you ever tried moon bathing? It’s a real thing and it’s very cooling and calming!

It works best when the moon is half full to full. Find a spot where you can sit comfortably or lay down and soak in the moon rays (which are reflected rays from the sun).

If you have a porch that receives moonlight it’s very beautiful, calming and peaceful to sit outside and soak up the moon before bed.

It’s especially helpful on evenings when you feel overheated, frustrated and stressed. Big bonus:  You’ll find that moon bathing is very beneficial for helping to induce deeper, more restful sleep.

One of my favorite ways to moon bathe is on multi-day wilderness river retreats like my Womens River Adventure Retreat on the Main Salmon River in Idaho.

Drink Aloe Juice

Coconut water has become popular as a hydrating and cooling summer drink. Another, less known, but equally (if not more) beneficial summertime drink is pure aloe juice.

You probably know, and have used aloe vera gel topically on sunburns. When you drink pure aloe vera juice it has similar effects in the body – it’s cooling, refreshing, anti-inflammatory and soothing.

The aloe plant has been used for over 6000 years in the traditional medicinal systems of Egypt, India, Central America and China. In these traditions aloe vera juice has been used to treat digestive issues, skin diseases, dehydration, menstrual discomfort and high blood sugar levels among other things.

It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.

Unlike coconut water, you don’t want to chug a big glass of pure aloe vera juice. Rather, you can take a few tablespoons after meals or when you feel like you need extra hydration. My favorite is to mix equal parts pomegranate and aloe juice, and dilute with a bit of purified water. This makes for a delicious summer afternoon refresher!

Water Adventures

Water is cool, summer is hot. What could be better than cooling off with water adventures this summer? This is the season for hitting up your favorite swimming hole, floating down an easy-going river, learning to paddle or taking those surf lessons that have been on your list.

Because summer is such a busy season it’s important for your health to schedule time in your calendar that’s  purely for you. Take on at least one water adventure to refresh your body, mind and spirit.

Bonus Tip: Summer Smoothie Recipe

Here is my go-to summer smoothie recipe. Now, for those of you who love fruit smoothies, keep in mind that they contain a lot of sugar.

If you want a smoothie packed with nutrition, you’ll want the ingredients to look like 60% – 70% veggies to 40-30% fruit. 

Anna’s Summer Smoothie Recipe

• 2-3 stalks celery
• big handful loosely chopped spinach
• 2 -3 large kale leaves loosely chopped
• 4 – 5 slices cucumber
•  1 TBS almond butter
• 1/4 cup almond/coconut milk blend
• half a frozen banana
• a small handful of fresh berries
• 1 TBS Gaia Maca Boost or Gaia Energy Thrive
• 1/2 cup – 1 cup purified water (depends on your preferred consistency)

Place all ingredients into a high powered blender like a Vitamix or Ninja. Blend until smooth. Enjoy through a stainless steel or other sustainable material straw.

May these tips help keep you cool during this season of fullness and fun!

Want to learn how to stay healthy in all seasons? I’m here to help with Ayurveda Health Coaching.

Want to know where to start with summertime water adventures? I’ve got paddleboarding, kayaking and SUP Yoga adventures for you!