I love summer.
Everything about summer screams enjoyment.
Then I go outside.
From 150% humidity – true for our area, my daughter swears we need gills to live in South Carolina; to 100-degree days – try that with our level of humidity and you automatically wilt; summer can bring out the worst in our bodies.
From hot flashes, acne, sunburns, grouchy moods, fatigue and more; summer can cause you more pain than enjoyment.
Use these simple cooling tips and get out there and enjoy your summer.
Whether you’re lounging in a chair by the pool or working in your garden; staying hydrated is critical. Never leave home without a refreshing bottle of water.
Fizzy summer drinks are often our drink of choice and you can keep the fizz with sparkling mineral water. Add a splash of lemon or lime and reap the benefits of staying hydrated and absorbing needed minerals.
I keep a pitcher of fruit infused water in the fridge. Before I leave home, I’ll fill my stainless water bottle with my infused water, and it will stay cold and refreshing while I’m out and about. Cucumber water is another cool refreshing water to keep on hand too.
Whatever your choice, stay hydrated.
I’ve shared one of my favorite tea recipes below to help you stay cool and hydrated this summer.
Are you a hot-n-spicy food lover?
When trying to stay cool in the summer, you will want to avoid your favorite hot-n-spicy foods. The spices can greatly increase your body heat. From hot flashes to sweating, these foods are not summer friendly.
Switch to foods that are just as flavorful but without the heat. Try using ginger, cumin, any citrus flavors should satisfy your taste buds.
Cover that beautiful skin and keep it healthy.
We know that we should get at least 10 minutes of sunshine every day, but we also know that we need to keep our skin protected.
When lounging by the pool or sea, sit under an umbrella. As you work or play outside, wear a hat that will protect your face and ears, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Your goal is to minimize the sun’s effect on your body and skin.
Use a natural sunblock, not the chemical laden sunblock, whenever you plan to spend some time in the sun. Stay protected.
There’s something about summertime and coconut. Maybe it’s the thought of lazy beach days and listening to summertime music.
Summer is the perfect time to drink coconut water. It is one of nature’s best drinks to keep your body cool and help ward off the extra heat.
Coconut oil is great for keeping your skin healthy during the summer too. If you get sunburned, apply coconut oil to your skin for a soothing effect. Apply coconut oil all over your body after a shower, especially before going to bed each night. This will give at least 8 hours for the oil to work its magic on your skin.
The more you move, the hotter your body will become. Do yourself a favor, enjoy the summer and slow down. Take time to meditate, lounge in the pool, take a walk in the cool of the day, sit on the porch with a cooling hydrating drink; while listening to calming summer sounds.
Any of these activities will help you unwind and allow your body to cool down.
Are you ready to enjoy your summer? Don’t let the heat of the day keep you from your summer fun activities. Use these tips to stay cool all summer long.
Make a cooling pitcher of my Passion Tea Lemonade and enjoy your summer.
Passion Tea Lemonade
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
5¼ c. water, divided
4 Tazo® Passion® tea bags
¼ c. honey, preferably local
4” piece lemongrass, finely chopped
2 small cinnamon sticks
½ c. fresh lemon juice
Ice, to serve
Garnish: (optional)
Fresh lemon slices
Sprigs of fresh mint
Directions:
- Bring four cups water to a rapid bowl in a teapot or saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Allow tea bags to steep for several minutes before discarding.
- To prepare the infused simple syrup, combine a quarter cup water, honey, lemongrass, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through and starts to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer to separate the solids from the liquid. Discard solids and set the remaining simple syrup aside to cool.
- Combine the brewed tea, lemon juice, and remaining cup of water in a large pitcher. Add infused simple syrup, to taste, and stir to combine.
- To serve, fill four chilled glasses with ice before adding the sweetened iced tea mixture. Garnish with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint, if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy!