Use Caution When Working In The Heat

Everyone has noticed that it is an extremely hot summer.
I've posted concerns about conserving water, mulching . . . . caring for birds and the watering of our trees, but haven't addressed the importance of our own personal care when working outside during high temps.

Talking about staying hydrated is a start.
Caffeine is a diuretic. So if you are planning on time outside on a hot day, eliminate / moderate it as part of your morning ritual.
If you are spending an hour outside, try your best to drink at least 8 oz of water hrly. (64 oz a day).
Unchilled water is more optimally absorbed by our bodies, but doesn't always feel that way as it's being drunk. Just take a breath, you'll be surprised by how good you'll feel.
Sweating is a wonderful aid for detoxing. In high temp, we'll need an epic replacement of electrolytes, as our systems get stressed. Sports drinks are everywhere. Watch the sugar content ! ( I often use packets of 'Emergen-C, added to water, which helps on many levels. )

** IF YOU ARE ON BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS, THE DIURETICS IN THEM MAY ACCELERATE DEHYDRATION. BE SMART ABOUT TAKING TIME OUT TO CHILL. **

Carry a cooler, with ice packs, if you know you'll be out for awhile.
Before the worst signs of heat exhaustion (fuzzie vision, aggitation, slurred speech, a rapid / weak pulse . . . ) and dehydration (muscle and joint soreness, unsteadieness . . . ) rolls in, use the ice packs to bring your body temp down. The inside of our wrists or underarms will chill us out quickly.
Sometimes, it is too late to just notice that you need liquid. Stay mindful of your fluid intake. Again . . . 64 oz of water a day.
Follow the sun when gardening. Work in the shade every chance you get. Plan around it.

*** There is a method of yogic breathing which has helped me over the last dozen years, taught to me by Swami Jaya Devi, Director of Kashi Atlanta Ashram.
It is called the Sitali Breath, which is a cooling breath. It is a method of breathing that reduces the 'fire energy' (referred to in Ayurveda as 'pitta'.)

EASY SITALI BREATH

The Sitali breath will begin to cool your core temperature in about 4 minutes.

1. Curl up the sides of your tongue and stick the tip outside your lips. Use your teeth gently to keep tongue in place, lips kept as relaxed as possible.
2. Inhale slowly, across the top of the tongue, as if sipping thru a straw.
3. Exhale through your nose.
Never struggle.
To enhance your concentration think of the word "cool" with each in / out breath.***

If you work alone, and have a cell phone, keep it on you (not on the table in the backyard) should you need to call for help.

Really . . . it's August. If you can read this post, you can make sure to take care of yourself and those around you (including our pets).

Take a beverage, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

If you can't BE still, start planning next year's Garden.