Pitta season is in full effect: it is swampy, hot and humid out there. For those of us who are dominated by the fiery Pitta dosha, it is Pitta season that often exacerbates the less desirable Pitta qualities (“like increases like”, and our external environment is constantly affecting our internal homeostasis). Balanced Pitta traits may tip the scales into imbalance. An ambitious Pitta can become a workaholic, sharp intellect could be read as criticism, and strong digestion can manifest as acid reflux. If this resonates at all, here are 10 questions to ask yourself:

Are you feeling extra critical lately? Irritable? Impatient?
Are you overly obsessed with work, or unable to stop working?
Is your speech biting, or sarcastic?
Do feel frustrated for no real reason, or have no tolerance for minor aggravations?
Do you find it difficult to fall asleep if you are up past 10pm?
Are you unable to quench your thirst?
Is your skin feeling irritated, more sensitive than usual, or breaking out?
Is your skin experiencing acne, rosacea, eczema or overall redness?
Are you experiencing more hair loss than usual?
Are you having heartburn? Acid reflux?

If so, some tips:

In the summer, try to stay indoors when Pitta is at its peak from 10am-2pm. The other window of Pitta time is at night from 10pm-2am. Try to get in bed by 9:30pm to avoid that second wind of Pitta brain activity (and desire for productivity).
Anoint your body with cooling herbs and oils like sandalwood, brahmi, lavender & hibiscus.
Limit spicy, sour & salty tastes.
Increase sweet, bitter & astringent tastes.
Wear pearls or moonstones.
Chant cooling mantras like vam (watery & lunar energy) or lam (earth energy).
Cook primarily with coconut oil or ghee.
Make yourself a turmeric milk before bed.
Exercise to half of your capacity, and don’t exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
No coffee on an empty stomach.
Don’t miss a meal.
Use natural perfumes.
Limit exposure to environmental toxins & chemicals. No chemicals on the skin.