Summer is almost here! Living in harmony with the seasons is essential to keeping our energy balanced. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is represented by fire. It is a time of both expansion and light. The emotion associated with this season is joy, and the organs associated with summer are both the heart and small intestine. Take some extra time to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for an abundant summer with my five tips below!

1.    Lighten Your Heart

One of the best ways to prepare for an abundant summer is to take some time to examine your heart. Schedule some time to think about your hearts desires. Have you made enough room for joy in your daily routine? As the sun burns bright above us, try to lighten your heart as well. Avoid anger, as it is a fiery emotion and will add to the heat of the season. Instead, seek to create harmony in your relationships and keep a lighthearted spirit.

2.    Enjoy the Abundance

Summer is an opportunity to enjoy all of the new growth that took place in the spring- both internally and externally. Celebrate the season with fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. Find local farmer’s markets to enjoy the freshest produce. Eat lighter, healthier meals and choose cooling fruits and vegetables to keep your energy in balance. Watermelon is a summertime favorite that can help you stay hydrated and cool on especially hot days!

3.    Embrace the Longer Days

Try to keep your internal schedule as close to the seasons as possible. As the sun rises high and days feel longer, wake up a little earlier and go to bed later. Tap into the increased energy all around you. Resist the urge to add in another hour of work, however. Choose to spend the extra time connecting with family, in meditation or prayer, or out in nature.

4.    Stay Cool

No matter how hot it is (or isn’t), make sure to stay hydrated this season! Drink plenty of fresh, filtered water. Try serving your favorite herbal teas over ice. You can even add a splash of lemon or other fruit to your water to encourage you to drink more. The fiery nature of summer can cause an abundance of hot flashes, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, inflammation, and also infections. Take time to keep your body and your temper cool in order to get the most out of this season!

5.    Go Outside

There’s a reason why summer is the most popular season for vacation. Our bodies, minds, and spirits seek connection with each other and with nature in the sunny weather. While some may plan extravagant adventures, something as simple as going for a walk around the block or to a local park is all it takes to enjoy the beauty of the season. Take some time to admire the wildflowers, sip a cool glass of water with friends and family, and use this time of extra energy to fall back in love with the earth around us.

What are some of your favorite ways to spend the longer summer days? Feel free to share in the comments below or on social media!