As temperatures soar and fans spin endlessly overhead, our inner systems can feel just as overheated as the world outside. From sun-induced sluggishness to emotional irritability, summer brings challenges that demand more than a glass of cold water and good intentions. Luckily, the Indian Yogic lifestyle offers time-tested tools to stay steady, cool, and calm both physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Here are 5 traditional Yogic tips by Dr.Yogrishi Vishvketu, Global Yoga Educator, Author & Founder of Akhanda Yoga Institute to beat the summer heat rooted in simplicity and supported by Ayurveda and Yogic science.
1. Wake Up Early for a Walk Before the Sun Rises
The best time to step outside? Before the sun even thinks about it.
Walking during Brahmamuhurta (roughly 1.5 hours before sunrise) isn’t just good for peace and productivity. According to Yogic wisdom, it helps release stored heat and energy before the external temperature rises. It regulates the nervous system, promotes natural digestion, and sets your Prana (life force) into gentle motion for the day ahead.
Bonus: Early morning air is charged with oxygen and subtle pranic energy, helping you start the day with clarity and calm.
Also Read: Start The Day Right: Expert Shares Five Morning Nutrition Tips To Avoid Overeating
2. Drink Cooling Drinks in Temperature and Energy
It’s not just what’s cold that cools you down. Ayurveda tells us that certain ingredients have cooling potency and support Pitta balance in summer.
Reach for:
- Coconut water or tender coconut drinks
- Buttermilk or curd-based drinks like Mattha or Chaas
- Shikanji - lemon with healthy sweetener, rock salt and mint
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which dehydrates and increases internal heat. Choose hydration that nourishes your inner waters and emotional balance.
3. Practice Cooling Pranayamas
Breath is your built-in air conditioning system—if you know how to use it.
Three Yogic breathing techniques are especially cooling:
- Chandra Bhedi (lunar breathing)
- Sheetali (tongue-rolled cooling breath)
- Sitkari (gentle sipping breath through the teeth)
These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calm the mind, reduce internal heat, and support restful sleep. Even 5 minutes a day can offer tangible relief from rising temperatures and rising tempers.
Also Read: Expert Shares How Much Coconut Water Is Too Much
4. Embrace Yoga Nidra as Your Afternoon Reset
This transcendental meditation and deep relaxation practice takes you into a super conscious state between waking and sleep. Himalayan Master, Dr Yogrishi Vishvketu shares that just 1 hour of Yoga Nidra is equal to 4 hours of sleep, resetting your nervous system, reducing fatigue, and restoring emotional balance without physically exerting the body.
5. Avoid Spicy Foods and Spicy People
Yes, you read that right. Summer is not the season for heated arguments or red-hot curries.
According to Yogic and Ayurvedic principles, spicy, oily, and overly fermented foods aggravate Pitta, leading to heat rashes, acid reflux, and irritability. Try lighter meals with:
- Moong dal
- Fruits and Salads
- Smoothies
- Steamed vegetables
- Cooling herbs like coriander, mint, fennel, and rose
And equally important—avoid conflict and drama. Anger drains off our vital energies and creates more heat within the body. Have a cold shower or drink a glass of cold water if you find yourself getting irritable with those around you.
Final Word: Stay Cool, Inside and Out
Yogic living isn’t about restriction, it's about rhythm. When you sync your body with the seasons, your vitality naturally rises. Use these traditional tools to ride the waves of summer with grace, rest, and radiant health.
“Heat is a condition of the environment. Coolness is a quality of the mind.” - Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu