Summer is the season of fire… of warmth and brightness. It can be energising, exhilarating, but it can also lead to overwhelm and burnout.

Now is the perfect time to turn to the elements—earth, water, air, and fire—to help bring yourself back into balance.

Ground yourself in the Earth

Connecting to the earth helps us feel safe and calm, rooted and stable.

What you can try

  • Walk barefoot in the grass or soil in the early morning. If you haven’t got access to this, try a grounding mat.
  • Spend some time in parks, gardens and natural areas to connect with the earth and reduce stress
  • Bring grounding into your skincare: use clay masks or mineral baths
  • Now is the perfect time to try earthy herbal teas like rooibos or nettle tea.
  • Grounding essential oils like vetiver or patchouli can enhance your grounding experience.
  • Take a moment to ask yourself: what helps me feel anchored and supported?

Cool down and hydrate with water

Water cools down inflammation in the mind and body and can be a great remind to go with the flow rather than trying to push through it.

What you can try

  • Try a hydrating facial or body mist… something with aloe or cucumber would be particularly soothing.
  • Take a cool shower to reset your energy
  • Have a calming soak with Epson salts
  • Enjoy water based activities to cool down and have fun
  • Supercharge your water with your favourite herbs or flowers (even better if its fresh from your garden) such as mint, rose or cucumber.

Breathe and refresh with air

Just taking a few deep breaths can help regulate the nervous system and aid mental clarity.

What you can try

  • Practice 3 minutes of cooling breathing – like sitali breathing
  • Open your windows in the morning to circulate fresh air through your space
  • Spend some time outdoors and breathe in some fresh air
  • Energise your space with uplifting oils in your diffuser like lemongrass or peppermint.
  • Try using a handheld fan or sensu fan to cool yourself down

Balance the heat with fire

Fire is the dominant element in the summer – here what you can do to help avoid burnout.

What you can try

  • Rest during the peak heat hours (2-4pm).
  • Eat cooling foods like cucumber, melon and mint
  • Enjoy warm drinks like herbal tea or hot chocolate on cooler evenings
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, take intentional breaks.
  • Light a candle in the evening to signal to your body its time to unwind and you can even try some candle gazing, which is a form of meditation and can be very relaxing.

What element are you most drawn to right now? Let us know and share your summer rituals with us!

Jessica Reid