Keep Cool This Summer - Physically & Mentally - With Nicole DeAvilla! by Donna John
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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.
@NicoleDeAvilla I drink water but a little spearmint flavor would be nice! #30secondmom
— Holly Love (@Holly_Love2) July 21, 2016
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!
Love matinee's. Great way to stay cool and get a little "me time". #30secondmomhttps://t.co/hGCgCduuIY
— Ayana Rose LMFT (@AyanaRoseMFT) July 21, 2016
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.
Just finished The Shaken Snow Globe by @KristyDominiak. Wonderful summer read! #30SecondMom https://t.co/dQRUm2IBha
— Jan Mostrom (@j_mostrom) July 21, 2016
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.
@tweenspot @NicoleDeAvilla so scary it seems like every year there is a new kind of bug species #30secondmom
— Amber Cheras (@shadow62310) July 21, 2016
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.
Yay!! Yoga seems to be the answer to a lot things!! I swear by it. Feel the difference every time #30SecondMomhttps://t.co/pDkFDy82Nx
— Ayana Rose LMFT (@AyanaRoseMFT) July 21, 2016
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!
The TerraShield essential oil kept the bugs off of us in Belize. And it smells rather nice. @tweenspot #30SecondMom
— Nicole DeAvilla (@NicoleDeAvilla) July 21, 2016
Q: How else can moms contact you for keeping cool through yoga, coaching or through social media?
Be sure to follow @NicoleDeAvilla, like her on Facebook and visit her 30SecondMom page!
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