Summer is PITTA season according to Ayurveda* (Pitta translates to FIRE) and is found in our bodies as well as in our food, climate, and attitudes.
*Ayurveda is an ancient holistic health modality that is still practiced in India today. Ayurveda aims to keep our bodies in balance using the elements of nature as our guide. 

Tip 1: Use Sheetali Pranayama.
Often referred to as “Cooling Breath”. Sheetaili  Pranayama is designed to cool the body from the inside, provide cool moisture for the mouth and throat, and soothe pitta imbalances. This form of pranayama is practiced by either curling the tongue into a straw shape OR simply pursing the mouth like you’re about to suck through a straw.  We’ve all done a form of this when we ate or drank something too hot.

Tip 2: Cooling Ayurvedic Beverages
 To balance Pitta on a hot day, it is recommended to drink rose and mint tea that has been chilled, coconut water, or cool lassi drinks.  It is also recommended to refrain from drinking hot beverages during the summer unless its for digestive purposes. 

Tip 3: Reciting So Hum Mantra
Aim to embrace CHANGE in order to balance out anger, frustration, and excess mental fire. When we are hot and uncomfortable, it is easier to exasperate Pitta and can cause tempers to flare and patience to wane. The Summer season encourages growth and development, so use that energy to fuel your physical and creative curiosities.  A good mantra to use is “SO HUM” which translates to “I am That”. This is typically the second mantra given to yoga students and reminds us to see ourselves in the world and people we meet. 

Tip 4: Practice Surya Namaskar aka Sun Salutations
This commonly used yoga flow is used to Give Thanks for each new day. Traditionally done facing the East, this traditional yoga rexercise is done in honor of the God Surya (The Vedic Sun God). As we know, Vedic Gods are seen not as separate entities but as qualities within ourselves personified. You are concisely saying that you want to reflect the energy of the sun when you practice Surya Namaskar. Try for 5 salutations a day for the best benefits.