Turn Your Summer Woes Into Summer Won’ts

Whether it’s dry heat or extreme humidity, summers are hard on everyone, aam panna notwithstanding. So when the sun is sucking every last bit of energy away from you in the middle of a work-day, remember these little tips so that you can just, you know, chill.

Avoid Heavy, Spicy Meals – Say no. Just walk away. Your body has to work harder to digest whenever you overload on food. Food with high levels of spice, meat, dairy and oil content will overheat your system.

Light Garnishing – Coriander, cardamom, mint and fennel will make your food tasty and cool you down as well.

Sweet Fruits – Fruits with high sugar content require lesser water to be broken down once consumed. Sour fruits tend to be more acidic (you should also avoid fermented foods for the same reason). Remember to always wait 30 minutes before eating fruits after a meal or snack. Watermelons, strawberries, apples and lychees are all good.

Try Some Cocktails – Minimise your intake of hard liquor. Alcohol overheats the body very fast. However, summers are the perfect time to try a Piña Colada. While you’re at it, ignore the peanuts on your table. Peanuts, cashew nuts and almonds are all good at overheating your system.

Light Exercise – A long run in the heat can cause real problems for your heart, especially between noon and 3 pm. If you’re fond of exercising outdoors, try doing it just before or after dawn when the air is at its coolest.

Cool Your Wrists – Run your wrists and other major pulse points like the sides of your neck under cold water occasionally. This will help regulate body heat.

Short, Cleansing Breaths – Curl your tongue and breathe in short bursts through your mouth.

Drink Less Tea – Beverages like tea and coffee end up making you urinate more frequently, dehydrating you in the process. A better idea during summer is plain old coconut water.

No Computer Before Bed – Exposure to any device with a display unit before bedtime is a bad idea. If you’re regularly in the habit of doing this, chances are you’ll lose out on more and more sleep. A full night’s rest is incredibly important during summers.

Light Clothing – Remember to always wear light coloured, breathable, loose-fitting clothes during summer.

Cover Your Windows – Line your windows with thick white cotton to avoid the greenhouse effect.

Drink Plenty Of Water – Water at room temperature with a dash of mint or rose water will help.

Use Sunscreen – The Indian sun requires SPF 15 or higher. Try a water-based aloe-vera sunscreen lotion to avoid getting sticky and to stay fresh.