beat the heat

Mindful Tips: To Remain Calm, Cool and Collected

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In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can easily build up, especially as the summer heat intensifies. It’s important to find ways to cool down mentally, physically and spiritually to avoid losing your temper or becoming overheated.  

One effective method is to practice mindfulness and meditation. By focusing on the present moment and calming your mind, you can reduce stress and stay cool even in the hottest of temperatures. It’s simple to do this, but not easy. Set aside some time every morning to meditate. If you immediately think, “I don’t have time,” then, you need to meditate even longer. LOL! No, really, if all the time you have is two minutes in the car before you dash into work, the post office or HEB, then you can do two minutes. It WILL make a difference. Spending two minutes in your parked car with no distractions, focused on deep breathing can activate your Parasympathetic Nervous System allowing you to chill out, slow down those racing thoughts, and get on with a better day. 

Another tip to cool down in the summer is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating. It’s important to drink water throughout your day, not just when you feel thirsty, because if you wait until thirst hits chances are you’re already dehydrated. Take this simple practice a step further by adding mindfulness to your sips. When you drink from your water bottle or glass, try either repeating mentally or aloud, “May this water keep me cool and hydrated.” 

Engaging in physical activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga or tai chi, can also help you cool down during the summer months (and I think we all know a fabulous yoga teacher)! These practices not only help calm the mind but also release tension in the body, allowing you to stay cool and collected even in stressful situations.

Lastly, spending time in nature in the mornings or evenings when the south Texas heat isn’t as intense, can have a cooling effect on your body, mind and spirit. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park or simply sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air, connecting with the natural world can help you feel more grounded and at ease. 

So as the temperatures rise, remember to take care of yourself and find ways to stay cool, calm, and collected.

Anastasia is a certified meditation teacher and the host of Salud SA, a local public access TV show that features alternative healing modalities in San Antonio, Texas. With her background in communications, her education experience and a passion for all things wellness related, Anastasia develops and delivers, wellness seminars and workshops that engage, inspire, and inform.