Staying Cool in Austin’s Scorching Summer: Ayurveda Tips to Beat the Heat

Now, before you think Ayurveda is all about fancy oils and mysticism, hear me out! Ayurveda is actually rooted in understanding what’s going on in your body and mind and balancing it with the seasons. In the summer, our internal “fire” (Pitta) can get a little too hot and bothered, which leads to all sorts of discomfort. Whether it’s feeling overheated, sluggish, or just plain irritable, Ayurveda has some seriously effective tips to help you stay cool, calm, and collected.

So, What’s the Deal with Doshas?

Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s break down the basics. According to Ayurveda, we all have a unique blend of three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that shape our energy and health. Think of them like the ingredients that make up your personal recipe for life.

• Vata types are light, quick, and sensitive to change. They may feel a little ungrounded when the heat gets intense, and are more prone to dehydration.
• Pitta types are fiery (and I mean fiery), passionate, and intense. When the summer sun cranks up, they can overheat quickly, leading to irritation, skin rashes, or digestion troubles.
• Kapha types are steady, calm, and grounded, but during the heat, they might start feeling heavy or sluggish—kind of like being wrapped in a warm blanket you can’t shake off.

Knowing your dosha helps you understand what your body needs when the temperature rises.* So, let’s dive into some cooling tips to keep you feeling good this summer!

Hydration is Key—But Not Just Water!

First things first, hydration is critical when the temperature hits triple digits. But plain ol' water might not be enough to keep you feeling fresh. You need something with a little extra kick to replenish those electrolytes and keep your energy up.

• Coconut water is a total game changer. It’s packed with natural electrolytes and keeps you hydrated without the added sugar found in sports drinks.
• Herbal teas like peppermint, hibiscus, and chamomile are perfect for chilling out while hydrating your body.
• Naturally sweetened juices, like cranberry or grape.
• Rose water is an absolute gem—add it to your water for a light, refreshing touch or mist it on your skin for a cooling burst!

We may not want to hear that minimizing alcohol, fermented drinks, and drinks with refined sugar will help keep us cool but, additionally, the consumption of ice, especially in summer, can actually hinder digestion, potentially leading to digestive discomfort and imbalances! And we thought ice was our friend. And for my Pitta friends, skip the coffee or black tea—they can crank up your internal fire, which you definitely don’t need on a hot summer day.

Cooling Foods to Beat the Heat

It’s not just about drinking enough water; what you eat can also help you stay balanced during the summer heat. Ayurveda recommends cooling, hydrating foods that help calm your body’s fiery tendencies.

• Pitta types, you’ve got to go for cool, fresh foods. Think cucumber salads, watermelon, berries, leafy greens, and fresh herbs like mint. Keep it light—skip the spicy, fried, or acidic/sour foods that can turn up the heat in your body. Take note: “bitter is better” for turning down the heat.
• Vata types, you’ll want grounding foods to stay nourished and balanced. Lightly cooked veggies, soups with coriander and fennel, and warming but cooling spices are perfect. Just avoid too many raw, dry foods that might leave you feeling ungrounded.
• Kapha types, try fresh fruits, veggies, and light grains. You might love heavier foods, but summer is a great time to lighten up your diet with foods that are easy to digest and full of water content—things like zucchini, berries, and green beans.

A couple of notes for all dosha types: If you eat cheese, choose young cheeses like fresh mozzarella or cottage cheese instead of aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or parmesan; And for sweeteners, choose Maple syrup or raw sugar instead of refined sugars or dark honey.

Pro Tip: A cool cucumber salad with coconut yogurt, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sea salt is like a mini vacation in a bowl. Trust me!

Set Up a Cool, Chill Environment

Your surroundings matter just as much as what you’re putting into your body. After all, who wants to be melting in the heat of their own living room? Let’s keep it breezy!

• Avoid the afternoon sun—It’s best to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its hottest. If you’re outdoors, seek some shade and use an umbrella to protect your skin.
• Essential oils like sandalwood, lavender, and rose are perfect for cooling your space. Diffuse them, spritz them on your pillow, or mix them with a carrier oil and apply them to pulse points for a refreshing pick-me-up.
• Cold compresses are your best friend when the heat is unbearable. A cool, damp cloth on your forehead, neck, and wrists will give you instant relief.

Kapha types might find it extra hard to get up and move around in the heat, but trust me, staying cool and active will make you feel so much better. And for Vata and Pitta types, using cooling products and creating a serene, shaded environment will help bring the heat down in your body.

Get Moving, But Do It Smart

So, what’s the best way to stay active when the temperature’s climbing into the 100s? I know—nothing sounds worse than exercising in that kind of heat. But we all need to get our bodies moving, right? Just be strategic about it!

• Pitta types, you’re definitely going to want to scale it back during the hottest hours of the day. Cool down with swimming, yoga, or a brisk evening walk to keep your energy balanced without overheating.
• Vata types, aim for grounding activities that get you outside but don’t overdo it. A gentle morning stroll or stretching routine can help you feel more centered.
• Kapha types, y’all love your routines, but this summer, it’s time to switch it up with something more active. Try a morning jog, brisk walk, or dance class to get that metabolism moving.

Whatever you do, remember: the best time to exercise is early morning or late evening, when the sun’s not so intense.

Cool Off with Mindful Breathing

When things get too hot to handle, remember that your mind needs cooling too. Stress from the heat can make everything feel a little more intense, but Ayurveda has simple ways to help bring your mind—and body—back into balance.

Try Pranayama (breathwork) to cool down. The “Sitali” breath is a game changer—inhale through a curled tongue or pursed lips, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your nose. It’s like a mini-air conditioner for your body! And gentler and cooler forms of yoga, like yin or restorative, are also highly recommended.

And don’t forget about meditation. A few minutes of calming, mindful breathing or a visualization of cool water can help reset your mood and keep your body temperature in check.

Keep Your Skin Protected

We all love the sun (in moderation!), but it’s so important to protect your skin from those harsh rays. Ayurveda has some lovely natural remedies to keep your skin glowing and protected during summer:

• Aloe vera gel is your skin’s best friend in the heat. It cools, soothes, and heals sunburns. Just slather it on if you’re feeling a little too crispy after a day out.
• Sandalwood paste is perfect for calming inflamed or irritated skin, and it smells divine.
• Rub coconut oil on the bottoms of your feet before bed and cover with light cotton socks. This helps to dispel excess body heat and heat-induced headaches.

If you’re a Pitta type, be extra cautious with the sun, as your natural heat can make you more prone to burning and inflammation.

So there you have it, friends! With a little knowledge of your dosha* and these easy Ayurvedic tips, you can stay cool and balanced even when the Texas sun is at its fiercest. Stay hydrated, eat cooling foods, and take care of your environment—because we all deserve to enjoy summer without feeling like we’re melting. Let’s embrace the heat with calm, confidence, and a whole lot of good vibes. Stay cool, Austin! 🌞🌿

*Michelle Chambers, LMT is an Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant at Mantra Wellness and helps people accurately determine their personal dosha analysis through thorough questioning and analysis.