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Even if you’re well into adulthood and your school days are far behind you, it’s undeniable that those glorious summer months represent hotter days, longer nights, and lazy weekends filled with sunshine.

Summer feels almost like magical rejuvenation—it's a creative and inspiring season that seems like the perfect time to take on a new project, launch a program, or enroll in a course. If you ask an Ayurvedic practitioner, they'd credit your newfound motivation to the heat of Pitta.

According to the Ayurvedic calendar, each season is represented by a dosha. Known as mind-body types, the three doshas help to explain a person's emotions, physical traits, and mentality. And each has their own unique qualities:

• Vata is quick-witted, excitable, and impulsive.
• Kapha is easy-going, relaxed, and loving.
• Pitta is strong, passionate, and impatient.

At Integrative Nutrition, students learn from Dr. John Douillard, a leader in the field of health, wellness, and Ayurveda. Together, they explore how to apply the philosophies behind the doshas to support their clients tap into their own bio-individuality and discover the best way of eating that works for them.

Summer is Pitta season! Represented by fire, Pitta matches up perfectly with the hot and steamy months of June, July, August, and September. Pitta-types are notoriously creative and entrepreneurial, which might be why these months feel like the perfect time to start something new!

Vedic doctors recommend that each type eats a specific diet to stay balanced year-round, and to adjust their intake and habits according to the dosha that's dominant during every season. Adapting to Pitta season will keep you at your best during this productive time; when Pitta energy is out of sorts, we feel tired, irritable, excessively hot, uncomfortable, and aggressive. Definitely not ideal!

Here's how you can harness your creative, transformative Pitta energy make it work for you. Try these Ayurvedic-inspired tips to have your most productive summer yet!

Eat: Regular, cooling meals
Don't get hangry—we're especially prone to crankiness when we skip meals during Pitta season. Eat cooler, lighter meals with more sweet and bitter tastes. Spicy and pungent foods should be avoided during the summer because they can mess with your digestive fire.

Drink: Way more water, coconut water, and juices
It might be obvious, but it's so important to stay hydrated during the summer months. Don't reach for ice cold water, though—it can "douse" your internal fire and mess with your digestion. Sip on room temperature or lightly chilled beverages instead, and try all-natural electrolyte drinks like coconut water to improve overall hydration.

Do: Stay as cool as possible
Pitta is prone to overheating, especially as temperatures rise. Avoid long hours in the sun and working outside during midday, when it's hottest. It's also better to exercise earlier in the morning and to cool off with a lukewarm or cool shower. It might be a little shocking at first, but cold water brings your internal body temperature down more quickly.

With these ideas you can let your powerful Pitta take over for the last few months of summer—be brave and bold, and unleash the magic!

How will you ignite your creative fire this summer? Share with us in the comments below!