As the sun climbs higher in the sky and the days stretch long and hot, we find ourselves fully immersed in the vibrant energy of summer. According to both yogic wisdom and Ayurvedic principles, summer is a time dominated by the Pitta dosha—governed by the elements of fire and water. While this season encourages passion, ambition, and transformation, too much heat—both literal and energetic—can leave us feeling irritable, overheated, and ungrounded.
To maintain harmony in the summer months, we must intentionally invite in the cooling, calming, and stabilizing qualities that balance this fiery season. Through mindful yoga, breathwork (pranayama), lifestyle choices, and a connection to nature, we can support our bodies and minds in staying cool and composed.
In the heat of summer, you might notice:
Increased irritability or frustration
Dehydration or skin inflammation
Restlessness or burnout
Digestive discomfort
Balancing practices counteract these effects by:
Calming the nervous system
Reducing internal heat
Grounding excess energy
Supporting hydration and digestion
Let’s explore how to use yoga, breathwork, and daily habits to maintain inner and outer harmony throughout summer.
Summer yoga should be gentle, grounding, and cooling. Avoid hot, fast-paced flows or intense core work. Focus instead on slow, steady movement, forward folds, hip openers, and restorative poses.
Here are key postures to incorporate:
A deeply restorative pose that opens the hips and calms the heart. Practice with a bolster or pillow under the back for support.
A cooling, inward-focused pose that soothes the mind and stretches the spine and hamstrings.
Improves circulation, calms the nervous system, and helps drain excess heat from the feet and legs.
Gently supports digestion and detoxification while cooling the body.
Rest deeply in this posture whenever you need a moment to cool and return to your breath.
In yoga, the breath is a powerful tool to influence energy and temperature. In summer, practice cooling pranayama techniques:
Roll your tongue into a tube, inhale through it like a straw.
Close your mouth, exhale through your nose.
Repeat for 8–10 rounds.
This draws in cool air and soothes the digestive and nervous systems.
Close your right nostril with your thumb.
Inhale through the left nostril only.
Close the left nostril, exhale through the right.
Repeat for 5 minutes.
This balances lunar energy (cooling, calming) and reduces Pitta.
1. Eat Cooling Foods:
Favor foods that are light, hydrating, and sweet/bitter/astringent in taste. Think:
Cucumbers, watermelon, coconut water
Mint, cilantro, fennel
Basmati rice, mung beans, leafy greens
Avoid: spicy, salty, oily, or acidic foods during peak heat hours.
2. Stay Hydrated:
Add cucumber, mint, or rose petals to your water. Drink herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile.
3. Avoid Overexertion:
Respect your body’s energy. Exercise during early morning or evening. Take rest days as needed.
4. Dress for the Season:
Wear breathable cotton or linen. Choose light colors that reflect the sun.
5. Connect with Nature:
Walk barefoot on cool grass, sit near water, or stargaze at night. Nature has a natural cooling rhythm.
Balance is not about perfection—it’s about tuning in. Set a simple summer intention like:
“I flow with the rhythm of nature.”
“I remain cool, calm, and centered.”
“I nourish my body with light and love.”
Seated Breathwork (Sheetali Pranayama) – 5 minutes
Cat/Cow & Gentle Spinal Twists – 5 minutes
Forward Fold & Butterfly Pose – 5 minutes
Legs-Up-the-Wall – 5–10 minutes
Reclining Bound Angle with Deep Rest – 10 minutes
End with meditation or gratitude journaling.
Summer invites expansion, adventure, and play—but without mindful cooling and grounding, it can also bring imbalance. By incorporating a cooling yoga practice, breathwork, and Ayurvedic lifestyle wisdom, you can enjoy all the season has to offer while staying nourished and at ease.
Let your summer be a time of radiance without burnout, passion without overheating, and presence without pressure.
