Wellness Tips for June
an aerial view of quarts of different blue and red berries and cherries lined up
Welcome to June! Summer officially begins on the Solstice, Friday, June 20 this year. And although it’s been a long cool spring, the heat is just around the corner. So here are some health and happiness tips for Pitta season. According to Ayurveda, pitta is fire energy with a hint of water, so starting these habits now that will help to tame the heat as it grows.
1-June is a great time for clearing clutter. Clearing clutter makes room for new treasures and treats in your life, you can even find new ways of being in the world when you create the space. Clutter comes in all forms, not just physical. Consider how you may be collecting old habits, thought patterns, worn out friendships, and other things that aren’t serving you or helping you be the best version of yourself. Time to consciously let go to make room for new things!
2-Eat locally and cooling foods. Eating from the Farmer’s Market is a great way to ensure you are eating seasonally. Nature provides the foods that help us to stay balanced, so fill your basket with greens, berries, melon, summer squash, cucumbers, lime, mint, cilantro, fennel, and basil. Not local, but very cooling is every part of the coconut. Drink or cook with coconut milk, water, the meat itself, and you can even use the oil as moisturizer/lotion.
3-Take evening walks after dinner. As summer heat ramps up, you may find that you’re hiding in the a/c more often. Getting outside every day is important! Take advantage of the cooler time of the day to get outside and wind down. Also, walking after meals has amazing health benefits such as lowering blood sugar and helping to burn fat.
4-Make a cooling spray. Add 1-2 teaspoons of witch hazel to 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Add 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil and 3-5 drops of lavender or rose essential oil and shake well each time you use it. The peppermint is cooling and refreshing to the body, while the lavender or rose calms a fiery pitta mind. Store in the fridge for extra cooling, and spray anytime you come in from the heat, or feel agitated. Avoid spraying in eyes.
5-Consider how you’d like to celebrate the Summer Solstice, happening on Friday, June 20 at 10:42 p.m. The longest day of the year has long been a time of celebration in cultures throughout the world and through history. It’s a great time to have a special friends and family meal, use the firepit, or create mandalas out of flowers and herbs. If you’re part of the SoulShine Membership, remember to RSVP to attend the Celebration Potluck at my house or online.