Rethink your summer vacation

This summer feels a little different than most. For me, there are no outdoor concerts, no plane trips to visit family, no beachside brunches. So how can we still get that “summer feeling”? Ayurveda tells us that connecting with the seasons is important to our health and well-being. We are not supposed to have the same routine, diet and practices all year long. Part of bringing summer into your life is switching up your routine, and that is something we can all do no matter what our summer plans look like. 

In fact, I would argue that this summer might present the perfect opportunity to enjoy the relaxation that summer can bring without filling it to the brim with vacations, summer camps and parties. Spending a little more time in the garden, in the kitchen, or just sitting on your porch soaking up some rays could be a welcome change of pace. 

From an Ayurvedic perspective we can see that some of the activities we usually associate with summer actually further aggravate pitta dosha. Remember that like increases like, and that to maintain balance we always want to bring in the opposite qualities to what is in excess. The qualities of pitta are hot, sharp, liquid and spreading: qualities that are more present in the summer season. 

There is a principle in Ayurveda that says when we are in a balanced state of health we will crave things that keep us in balance; but when we are out of balance, we will crave things that bring us more out of balance. A person with balanced doshas should naturally crave things that balance the qualities of the current season. In summer, we should be craving cooling foods like coconut water, salads and green juices, sweet juicy fruits, and bitter leafy greens. We should be enjoying time outdoors but avoid intense exercise or long periods of sun exposure. We should naturally feel a desire to balance the intense energy of pitta with more downtime and relaxation. 

If however, you have too much pitta in your body, that pitta energy will actually drive you to do things that increase pitta, rather than balancing it. It’s almost like the more of a certain dosha we have in our system, that dosha gains strengths and decides it wants to run the show! Learning how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cravings, and to see when a certain dosha is driving our decisions, can be a huge challenge. But when you start to notice these signs from your body, it’s empowering.

What do you crave on summer days? Fried food at a theme park, burgers and beers at a backyard barbecue, spicy mexican food with margaritas, sugary iced lattes – these are all things I personally associate with summer, but have learned will send my pitta through the roof. (Hint: sugar, caffeine, alcohol and fried food are some of the worst pitta aggravators!) Start to pay attention to your go-to summer foods and notice how they make you feel. Do they cause any heat in your body, or uncomfortable, sharp sensations in your digestion? Is there an emotional after-effect of intensity, anger or annoyance?

If your usual summer activities are on hold, why not take the opportunity to slow down and ask your body what it’s craving? I’m all in favor of keeping joyful traditions alive, but many of these traditions (4th of July parties, vacations) bring with them some unhealthy habits that we don’t think to question. I believe it’s possible to still enjoy summer while staying in balance and honoring our bodies. 

Personally, this summer is giving me the chance to rethink some of these habits. Here are some of the small ways I’ve been finding to create a “summer vacation” feeling without leaving home (and without blending up a batch of frozen margaritas either!)

1. Redefine a “night in” 

With the longer days, it’s natural to want to stay up later in summer. But with limited options for places to go these days, it’s all too easy to let every night become a night in front of the television. To switch it up, commit to an evening with no electronics. Get cozy in your bedroom a couple of hours before you plan to go to sleep for a relaxing long evening of “you” time. Surround yourself with some good books, a journal, sketchpad or coloring book, and your favorite music. I love the feeling of lounging around on my bed on a summer night with the windows open. Turning off my phone and unplugging from everything really gives my nervous system the feeling that I’m on a mini-vacation. 

2. Start a mini indoor garden 

I am by no means a seasoned gardener. It’s something I’m in the process of learning. That’s why I say with confidence — if I can do it so can you! Even if you don’t have an outdoor space, there are some options that are very easy to grow in your kitchen or anywhere in front of a sunny window. Microgreens require a small amount of soil and space, and will be ready to harvest within a week or two.  Or, you can grow different kinds of sprouts in a glass jar with no soil at all! I’ve gotten in the habit of always having a jar of sprouts around. They are ready within days and it just feels good to have something fresh to add to sandwiches and salads that I grew myself. If you can’t get out in nature, bring nature to you!

3. Take a full moon walk

There’s something so magical about warm summer nights. If you have the urge to go out at night, but don’t have anywhere to go, a moonlit hike or even a walk around your neighborhood can be bliss. The moon has a cooling, soothing effect on the body that is the perfect balance to hot summer days. As an added bonus, moonlight has also been shown to balance women’s hormones!

4. Keep a pitcher of refreshing spa water on hand 

Something as simple as adding herbs, flowers or fruits to your water can make your home feel a little more like a beach resort. With very little effort you can send yourself the message that you are worth being pampered. Adding certain plants to your water increases the body’s ability to absorb water and stay hydrated. For summer, consider adding a combo of these cooling, hydrating ingredients: mint leaves, lime, hibiscus flowers, edible rose petals, licorice (root or powder). Make your own combo and let it sit overnight. 

5. Make your own breakfast bar 

One way I show myself love every morning is by adding about ten different toppings to my breakfast bowl. My family makes fun of me. Usually I have oatmeal, but a fun way to switch it up when it’s hot out is to do an acai bowl breakfast bar. If you have kids, they’ll love choosing their toppings too! Blend a few packs of frozen acai mix with banana, other frozen berries, and a small amount of nut milk or coconut water. Top with fresh berries, banana slices, hemp, chia, or flax seeds, chopped nuts, chopped dates, cacao nibs, almond butter… you get the picture. Sometimes I even have this for lunch, or a refreshing dessert on a hot night. 

6. Plan a staycation 

Usually summer means road trips and cross-country flights, but COVID-19 has me homebound this summer. And because I’m always home, I’m finding that I’m always working. Even if you don’t have anywhere to escape to, can you plan a week or a long weekend off? Pick a few scenic drives that you’d like to take around where you live, alone or with your family. Maybe you can find a remote picnic spot and enjoy exploring without having a destination. Plan a few special meals that you want to make on your staycation, block off time to read a book you’ve been wanting to dive into, . See if you can commit to completely disconnecting from work for a few days. Sometimes it takes more than a day for your body to fully relax and let go, but your nervous system will thank you for it. 

How are you spending your summer? I’m curious to hear what’s different for you this year, and how you’re finding ways to enjoy yourself. Remember that self-care doesn’t always have to be grand gestures. Your body appreciates small acts of kindness!