Adapt Your Diet for Shravan
The monsoon season can weaken our digestive system, a principle well-understood in Ayurveda. During Shravan, many people already follow a sattvic diet, which is beneficial for this time. Focus on light, warm, and freshly cooked meals. Opt for easily digestible
grains like moong dal, sabudana (tapioca pearls), and samak rice. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like lauki (bottle gourd) and pumpkin. It's also a good time to reduce or avoid heavy foods, leafy greens, and curd, as they can be harder to digest and prone to contamination in the humid weather. For those fasting, fruits, milk, and nuts like almonds and walnuts are excellent sources of energy. Remember to use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt and natural sweeteners like jaggery over processed sugar.
Wardrobe Wisdom for Wet Days
The key to monsoon dressing is choosing fabrics that dry quickly. Opt for lightweight materials like cotton blends, polyester, and rayon. It's best to avoid heavy fabrics like denim and thick wool, which absorb water and take a long time to dry. When it comes to footwear, ditch the leather and suede shoes that can be easily ruined by water. Instead, choose waterproof options like rubber sandals, slides, or floaters with anti-slip soles to ensure a good grip on slippery surfaces. Keeping a lightweight waterproof jacket or windcheater handy is always a smart move for unexpected downpours.
Boost Your Immunity and Health
The monsoon is notorious for bringing a spike in infections. Boosting your immunity is crucial. Incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and guavas, into your diet. Staying hydrated is also key, so drink plenty of boiled or purified water, herbal teas, and warm soups. Personal hygiene is non-negotiable; wash your hands frequently, especially before meals. To prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which are common during this season, use mosquito repellents and nets, and wear long-sleeved clothing, particularly in the evenings. Also, ensure there is no stagnant water collecting in or around your home, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Monsoon-Proof Your Home
High humidity can lead to dampness, musty smells, and mould growth inside the house. Ensure good ventilation by keeping windows open when it's not raining. Before the monsoon sets in, check for and seal any cracks in walls or roofs to prevent leaks. It's a good idea to pack away heavy carpets and rugs, as they can trap moisture and dirt. To combat dampness in cupboards and closed spaces, you can use moisture absorbers, camphor, or neem leaves. Regularly wipe down wooden furniture with a dry cloth to prevent it from swelling or developing mould. Using fragrant candles or incense can help keep your home smelling fresh.
Skincare in High Humidity
The increased moisture in the air can lead to its own set of skin problems, including fungal infections and breakouts. Keeping your skin clean and dry is essential. After getting wet in the rain, take a shower as soon as possible to wash off any germs. Use a gentle, anti-bacterial soap. Avoid heavy, oil-based moisturisers that can clog pores. Instead, opt for light, water-based formulas. Fungal infections are common in areas where moisture gets trapped, so pay special attention to drying your feet and skin folds thoroughly. Wearing loose, breathable clothing helps your skin breathe and reduces the risk of infections.
