blog » July 18, 2016 by Donna John

Keep Cool This Summer - Physically & Mentally - With Nicole DeAvilla! by Donna John

Blog Parenting
7 years ago
Keep Cool This Summer - Physically & Mentally - With Nicole DeAvilla!

Nicole DeAvilla, a San Francisco mom of two, best-selling author of The 2 Minute Yoga Solution, parenting coach and wellness advocate, joined us on #30SecondMom Twitter chat and shared her best tips on how to keep cool this summer - both physically and mentally. Read on to get ideas for hot days for moms and kids, cool summer food tips, super simple yoga moves that you can do at home and the 411 on essential oils!

Q: What are your top planning tips for hot days for moms and kids?

  • Plan ahead so you are more active in the morning and evening when the temperature is cooler.
  • For outdoors be near water – a pool, or stream, in the backyard with the garden hose or water guns. Wear hats and sunscreen.
  • The heat of the day is a great time to retreat indoors for summer reading at home or an air conditioned library.
  • Drink lots of water. Flavor with food-safe essential oils like wild orange, spearmint or lime to get the kids and you wanting more!
  • Wet a handkerchief in water and wear around your neck. Older kids can do this, too.
  • Prepare cool foods to eat. Summer salads, cold pasta, fruit, hummus with veggies, kid-friendly healthy blender drinks.

Q: Do we get hot and bothered more easily in the summer than at other times? What can we do about it?

Yes, yoga and its sister science, Ayurveda, tells us that during the summer months we can easily aggravate our emotions. Emotions like anger, jealousy and frustration can easily surface if we ignore the warning signs in our kids and in us! Yoga breathing is one of the fastest ways to cool down. I have three to share with you tonight:

  • For moms and kids, blow out the frustration with big blowing breaths. Pretend you are trying to blow out candles.
  • Belly Breaths: Inhale like you are filling up your tummy with air. Exhale and draw your belly inward. Repeat 10 times.
  • Cooling Breath: Learn how to do it here!

Q: For older moms, what can we do about the double whammy of hot weather and hot flashes?

Seems unfair that hot flashes can increase in hot weather! Keep your stress levels in check with the breathing exercises above. And here are more ideas:

  • Practice cooling yoga – slower and more restorative.
  • Eat foods like soy and flax seeds (freshly ground in a smoothie is great).
  • Take some phytoestrogen supplements.
  • Avoid caffeine – as much as possible!
  • Eat a plant-based diet with little or no dairy. (Hey, I know it’s not easy, but you can feel SO much better!)
  • Fill glass spray bottle with water and a few drops of pure grade peppermint essential oil and spray where you feel the heat! The peppermint spray is great even if you don’t have hot flashes to keep cool. Kids like it, too. Just avoid eyes.

Q: What is a safe way to keep summer bugs away?

Candles with PURE citronella oil – read ingredients, some include chemicals. Essential oils of patchouli, basil, lavender, lemon grass or eucalyptus. May need to dilute with coconut oil for sensitive skin. Or get a convenient spray with a great mix of essential oils called TerraShield.

Q: What if we feel too hot to exercise, or do much of anything?

  • Listen to your body. Balance avoiding overheating with still getting some exercise. Exercise earlier or later in the day when it is cooler. If you normally exercise outdoors, opt for some air-conditioned workouts at the club or at home. 
  • Start with slow and easy yoga. Either keep it restorative or as it give you more energy, add some more challenging poses. Practice yoga breathing first for motivation and an energy boost. Yoga breathing and/or yoga postures can help you focus and get motivated. Start with something simple.
  • Rub a few drops peppermint essential oil mixed with coconut oil or unscented lotion on your muscles and back of neck to energize.
  • Don’t be hard on yourself! It’s OK to not be productive all of the time. Chill and enjoy some summer relaxing.

Q: You mentioned essential oils several times. How can moms get the quality essential oils you recommend?

I became a Wellness Advocate for Doterra essential oils because they have the highest quality oils with the best service. Click  here for my website for CPTG (certified pure therapeutic grade) essential oils. Send me a DM if you have questions!

Q: How else can moms contact you for keeping cool through yoga, coaching or through social media?

Be sure to follow  @NicoleDeAvillalike her on Facebook and visit her 30SecondMom page!

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

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Nicole DeAvilla
This is going to be "COOL"! LOL
Nicole DeAvilla
See you this evening @adeline.
Elisa Schmitz
I can't wait for this chat! Thanks, Nicole DeAvilla! xoxo
Meredith Schneider
Can't wait! It's HOT HOT HOT in Texas! Could use all the cooling down tips here. 😜☀️💋👊❤️💪
Nicole DeAvilla
I bet it's hot! We can cool down together tonight @merber38. xoxox <3
MomOfTwins
I'm so excited!! For this chat! Thanks Nicole DeAvilla
Elisa Schmitz
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing with us, Nicole DeAvilla! xoxo Thanks to Jan Mostrom Donna John and Chrissy Jones for all the fabulous behind-the-scenes work that makes #30SecondMom chat the best moms' night in on Twitter! xoxo
Nicole DeAvilla
Thanks everyone! It was fun in the virtual sun. :)
xoxo
DianaMcNeill
Thank you for sharing the amazing tips. I’m sure your tips will be really very helpful to maintain the healthy lifestyle for my family, will definitely follow them.

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