SunKissed - Summer Soulshine

As we approach the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, may we honour the cycles of the sun, the warmth, the light and the abundance of this season.

I personally love this season for the heat, the long days, the abundance of food in my own backyard garden, farmers markets, and daily dips in nature’s bathtubs.

Sun Lovers Menu

Antioxidants are found in the most vibrant fruits and vegetables which just so happen to be in abundance when you need them most. In order to nourish you skin from the inside out eat from the rainbow. Foods rich in antioxidants are naturally anti-inflammatory and will protect your skin from sun damage. On the flip side avoid foods that cause inflammation.

For topical skin applications my typical go to’s are Living Libations Skin Care products, raw coconut oil or shea butter

5 Ayurvedic tips for summer:

1. Stay Hydrated with Cooling Drinks

• Drink Infused Water: Infuse water with cooling herbs like mint, fennel seeds, or coriander seeds. Cucumber slices or lemon can also be added.

• Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and cooling, coconut water is ideal for replenishing electrolytes.

• Herbal Teas: Choose teas with cooling herbs like peppermint or chamomile. Avoid caffeinated or hot beverages.

2. Opt for a Cooling Diet

• Fruits and Vegetables: Focus on hydrating and cooling foods such as melons, cucumbers, leafy greens, and zucchinis.

• Dairy Products (if it suits you): Include cooling dairy like kefir or yogurt in your diet. Lassi (a yogurt-based drink) is particularly beneficial.

• Spices: Use cooling spices such as coriander, fennel, and mint. Avoid excessive use of heating spices like chili, garlic, and ginger.

3. Adjust Your Daily Routine

• Exercise in the Morning: Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, preferably early morning. Avoid strenuous activities during the peak heat.

• Cool Showers: Take cool or lukewarm showers to reduce body heat. Avoid hot baths.

• Wear Light Clothing: Dress in light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light colors reflect sunlight and help keep you cool.

4. Balance Pitta (fire) Dosha

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Use cooling oils like coconut or sunflower for daily self-massage. This helps soothe the skin and reduce heat.

• Aromatherapy: Utilize cooling essential oils such as sandalwood, rose, and jasmine to calm the mind and body.

• Meditation and Yoga: Practice calming and cooling forms of yoga and meditation to maintain mental balance.

5. Protect Yourself from the Sun

• Natural Sunscreen: Use natural sun protection methods such as aloe vera gel, zinc based natural sunscreen or sandalwood paste.

• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Wear a hat

• Shady Areas: Seek shade and cool areas whenever possible to avoid overheating.

Solar Healing

The healing powers of sunshine are extensive and well-documented, spanning physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Sunshine plays a crucial role in our well-being when enjoyed mindfully. Here’s a detailed look at its healing properties:

1. Boosts Vitamin D Production

• Vitamin D Synthesis: Exposure to sunlight enables the skin to synthesize Vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption .

• Bone Health: Adequate Vitamin D helps in the prevention of osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone-related diseases.

2. Improves Mood and Mental Health

• Enhances Serotonin Levels: Sunlight increases the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood, calmness, and focus .

• Reduces Depression: Exposure to sunlight can alleviate symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Morning sunlight exposure is particularly beneficial .

• Regulates Sleep: Sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm by influencing melatonin production, leading to better sleep patterns .

3. Supports Immune Function

• Enhances Immune Response: Vitamin D produced from sunlight exposure modulates the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infections and reducing inflammation .

• Prevents Autoimmune Disorders: Adequate sunlight exposure may help in reducing the risk of autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis .

4. Promotes Skin Health

• Treats Skin Conditions: Sunlight can help treat certain skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties .

• Heals Wounds: UV light from the sun can promote wound healing by stimulating the production of new skin cells and enhancing blood circulation to the skin.

5. Improves Cardiovascular Health

• Lowers Blood Pressure: Sunlight exposure can release nitric oxide in the skin, leading to the dilation of blood vessels and lowering blood pressure .

• Heart Health: Sunlight-induced Vitamin D production is linked to a lower risk of heart disease .

6. Enhances Cognitive Function

• Supports Brain Health: Sunlight exposure is associated with better cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases .

• Improves Alertness: Natural light exposure during the day helps maintain alertness and cognitive performance.

7. Encourages Physical Activity

• Outdoor Exercise: Sunlight encourages outdoor activities, which promote physical fitness, improve cardiovascular health, and support mental well-being .

8. Provides Natural Energy

• Boosts Energy Levels: Sunlight exposure can enhance overall energy levels by improving mood and reducing fatigue .

• Enhances Productivity: Natural light exposure during the day improves concentration and productivity .

9. Regulates Metabolism

• Supports Weight Management: Regular exposure to sunlight can help regulate metabolism and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome .

• Balances Hormones: Sunlight influences hormonal balance, aiding in appetite control and metabolic health .

10. Strengthens Eye Health

• Prevents Myopia: Moderate exposure to natural sunlight may help prevent myopia (nearsightedness) in children .

• Improves Vision: Sunlight contributes to overall eye health by regulating circadian rhythms and reducing the strain associated with artificial lighting .

Summary

Sunshine offers a wide array of health benefits, including Vitamin D production, mood enhancement, immune support, skin health, cardiovascular benefits, cognitive function, physical activity promotion, energy boost, metabolic regulation, and eye health improvement. Moderation and protection from overexposure are key to harnessing these healing powers while minimizing risks such as sunburn.