Yoga To Beat The Heat

Summer is here, and it is time to make a few changes to our lifestyle so that we can fully enjoy the sunny days without letting the heat get to us.

According to Ayurveda, we should continuously adapt to the changing season or optimal health. Just as an environture changes the surrounding ment, we should also change our diet, lifestyle, and physical practices to comply with the new way of life. There are multiple layers that need to be added to this such as variability in different levels of strength and stamina, our unique Ayurvedic Personality Types as well as our present health condition and mental state-all of these need to be put in perspective before choosing the best way forward. Which is why it is important first to understand the concepts of Ayurveda and to then also listen to our intuition for guidance. This is a simple overview of how seasonality can influence our lifestyle.

Namita Piparaiya, Yoga, and Ayurveda Lifestyle Specialist, Founder - Yoganama, shares, "Ayurveda recommends minimum exertion in these summer months. Gentle Yoga practices that do not overheat the body but have a rejuvenating effect are useful. Practices that cool or relax the body and mind like Bhramari, Moon salutations, equal breathing, and all types of joint rotations (Sukshma Vyayama) should be preferred. Focus on movements that feel good without tiring yourself out. This is an excellent season to experiment with using various Yoga props like chairs, blocks, and belts to deepen your practice. These are wonderful months for working on forward bends, side bends, and relaxing breathing practices."