By: Jennifer Much
August is knowingly one of the hottest months of summer. While it offers beautiful sunrises, it
also brings in bouts of sweltering humidity and record high temps, making the need for proper
hydration even more important. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep cool, allowing you to
care for your mind, body and soul, even in the heat.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, staying hydrated is crucial to
counter temperature changes. Staying hydrated, especially during exercise, helps to regulate
the body's core temperature and to prevent conditions like fatigue and heat stroke.
Currently, The Institute of Medicine recommends that women drink 72 ounces (9 cups) and for
men to consume 104 ounces (13 cups) of water per day during summer to remain properly
hydrated.
As the heat index continues to rise, consider these helpful ways to stay happily hydrated and
cool - just remember, sip, snack and savor!
Sip on Fruit Infused Water
Quench your thirst with fruit infused water! Not only does it provide a natural, flavorful sip, but
adding fruit to your water can provide a boost of energy and support the immune system. Fruit is
filled with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and
cranberries, for example, are filled with antioxidants and electrolytes.
Vegetables and herbs can also be added to water to enhance the flavor. Find your favorite
combination, or try these refreshing combos, to encourage you to drink more water throughout
the day. Coconut water is also a wonderful option.
● Lemon + Thyme
● Orange + Blueberry + Basil
● Cucumber + Mint + Jalapeno
● Strawberry + Lime
● Watermelon + Rosemary
● Peach + Ginger
● Blackberry + Lavender
Snack on Juicy Produce
In addition to beverages, consider snacking on fruits and vegetables high in water content.
Freezing fruits like grapes are a fun way to keep cool and enjoy a healthy snack with a
satisfying crunch!
Both veggies and fruits are portable and make excellent snacks. There are many recipes that
accompany all kinds of produce. From on-the-go breakfasts and lunches, it's an easy way to
stay healthy and refreshed.
Swing by a nearby produce stand or farmers market to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced goods.
Savor a Cooling Oasis
Best of all, our studio provides a calm and cooling oasis, no matter the temperature outside!
Yoga is an excellent way to stretch muscles and there is a generous variety of cooling poses
that maintain comfort but inspire self-connection.
5 Cooling Yoga Poses
● Reverse Warrior - The Reverse Warrior pose is a side bend done as a lunge position
that targets the intercoastal muscles between the ribs.
● Downward Dog - The Downward Dog is a well-known pose that consists of downward
faced bending that carefully stretches the hamstrings, calves, and Achilles tendons.
● Low Lunge - The Low Lunge optimizes breathing thanks to body placement of the knee
angled 90-degrees just above the ankle. With the forward lean of this pose, muscles get
quite a stretch.
● Lizard - The Lizard pose begins with the Downward Dog position that comes into a
lunge and ends with slowly lowering onto the forearms. It works the glutes, abdominal
muscles and shoulders.
● Revolved Head to Knee - The Revolved Head to Knee pose helps to stretch
the spine and torso. A yogi bends their knee and brings the heel to their groin, followed
by lightly twisting and tilting their torso laterally to the left.
Along with light stretches, mindful breathing can prevent your body from building up excess
heat. As we move, we sweat, but light exercising with slow and gentle movements can help the
body remain cool.
In the hot days of summer, grab your favorite infused water and come to the studio for a fulfilling
stretch. We offer private sessions and group options.
To book your session, please contact Jamie or visit www.rootsyogamindbody.com. Stay cool
and happily hydrated, friends!
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