Go Natural to Beat the Heat. Our world is in a “hot” mess due to anti-nature activities and developments. It’s time to adopt natural remedies and methods to beat the heat.

Why? Why should you adopt natural cooling methods and not opt for ACs and ice-creams?

Because these which harm the environment are making the problem worse in the long run. And we will be here in the long run to face much worse heat! Moreover, very often these are problematic for our health and well-being too. For example, the cold and cough viruses that get transmitted through the office AC. Or the sugar over-load that happens with ice-cream (which does not even cool the system internally!). And lastly, when there are SO MANY holistic ways to stay cool, why not use them to the max before opting for other not-so-natural means? Even if you use these ‘other’ methods, let us try to be moderate and combine them with these natural, more holistic means to ensure you remain as cool as possible in these HOT times.

Now, without further ado… the gazillion Natural Methods to beat the heat…

Cooling Foods & Beverages:

Soaked subja seeds , black raisins in water

Ashgourd juice (it’s pure AC, in fact, we need to add pepper to the juice to avoid getting a cold)

Coconut water, kokum juice (and other juices etc.. without random additions, especially no sugar)

Buttermilk. Make it really thick, tastes just like ice-cream and it actually cools the system unlike I-Scream.

Gulkand (though it has sugar, so would recommend in moderation. Currently, I am having Gulkand made from honey, available on Isha Life)

Solkadi. Goan curry made from coconut milk and kokum, have it and then rest susegaadu style!

Yoga Practices:

Surya Namaskara – People are surprised about this, but yes, it does generate heat for a bit however, it also helps in ensuring body is capable of regulating body temperature really well. So, in long term Surya Namaskara are really good for body resilience and equanimity in hot climate.

Sheetali pranayam, quite a simple one. I think it is for short term cooling effect, not sure if it has any long term impact. Watch video here.

Anulom Vilom: I don’t know if this helps specifically with temperature stuff. But it helps in general for any discomfort. And it is so amazing because we can do it literally any time of day..so have a large glass of buttermilk and then do some Anulom Vilom.

Summer Clothing:

Headgear – caps, umbrellas, stoles, dupatta, bandanna, turbans …

Cooling, Breathable Fabrics – cotton, breathable, light coloured. Using Organic Cotton purchased from fair trade manufacturers would be a better environmentally friendly choice. While cycling or other rigorous exercises, I do opt for sports wear which is not cotton. Bamboo clothing might be a good choice here. Note, bamboo clothing is not 100% from bamboo as the name might lead you to think. And depending on how it is processed, is also not necessarily environmentally friendly, so check where you are purchasing.

Daily Routine:

Dinacharya, or daily routine, is given massive importance in Yoga and Ayurveda alike. Adjusting the cooling routine for a heatwave is important. I am not going into the lengthy details of dinacharya as advised by yoga or ayurveda here. Rather just highlighting few activities we can add to it, to ensure cooling….

Cold water baths: Once, twice, thrice Or how many ever times a day!

Coconut oil or castor oil: Apply on navel area, chakra points (except sahasrara and agna) and behind the ears. ( I have tried with coconut oil, it worked quite well!)

Mudbaths, Mudpacks: not sure where to get it? Try Thaai Mann from Isha Life. Or Multani Mitti is also generally available in markets.

Naama Katti: a chalk to dip in water and apply. I had never heard of it, an Instagram friend suggested it.

Sphatika Mala: I don’t know how it works, but it has some impact… in fact it sometimes makes my nose run like I have a cold. It is quite a strange element, Sphatika! Might do a video on this..

Waterfalls, Nature hikes: usually getting out of the city, being in open lands and especially in forests and waterfall areas helps. Not just because they tend to be cooler, but also cause it just calms the mind. And if one has to bear terrible heat, at least let’s be in a nice environ 😀

ORS: no harm in having some ORS liquids to keep hydration levels high. That way we don’t need to keep watching out for dehydration signs.

What more can I add here? I am sure there are more bazillion natural and holistic ideas to beat the heat out there! Do share, so I can add them in! Thanks @prabhulog, @poonamj9, @partofmilkway, @anubha23 for your suggestions on Instagram! Let’s stay safe and cool, everyone! Talking about safety, there are times when the heat is too much and we need to get REALLY SERIOUS about cooling down. Well, here are my next-level heating tips,

VERA LEVEL Cooling Techniques

This is most relevant when you have to spend summer in places like Ahmedabad or you are cycling in hot Thailand countryside (both of which I have done, and that’s when I discovered these techniques).

Wear Wet Clothes!

Wear those freshly washed clothes without drying. Or just take a clean clothes, dip them in water, wring them out and then wear them on. They shouldn’t be dripping as that causes other troubles, but wear wet clothes. It will feel like AC for 40 minutes or 1 hr, after which the clothes dry up completely. Lols.

Keep Your Head Wet!

Cover the head with Bandanna, Duppata, Stole – and then pour cool water on it. The head cloth and shoulder area of your t-shirt will get wet. But it is most needed, cause the head bears the direct rays of the sun when you are out. And it can get pretty dangerous. Better to be over-COOL than suffer heat stroke (or worse!).

Siesta

Don’t get out when it is so hot!!

While for a lot of us staying cool is about remaining comfortable through the heatwave. For a lot of people, including ourselves at specific times, heat exposure can become a serious threat. Especially, now with unseasonal temperature spikes, things are serious. Pls stay safe, stay cool.