Recommendation: During the midsummer, remember to “eat 4 things, do 3 things” to smoothly pass the hottest 20 days, don’t forget the old traditions!
Midsummer, as one of the hottest periods in summer, has always been a stage for the display of folk health wisdom. During this period, the traditional customs of “eating 4 things, doing 3 things” handed down by our ancestors not only contain profound cultural significance but also reflect a deep understanding of natural laws, aiming to help us smoothly get through these most challenging 20 days.
### Eating 4 things
#### 1. Green bean soup: A great drink to cool down and dispel heat
During midsummer, under the scorching sun, the body is prone to sweating, leading to the loss of water and electrolytes. Green bean soup has become a necessary drink for every household. Green beans have a cold nature and a sweet taste, with the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving heat, quenching thirst, and aiding digestion. A bowl of chilled green bean soup not only instantly disperses the summer heat but also replenishes the nutrients lost due to sweating, making it an indispensable cool drink in summer.
#### 2. Bitter gourd with eggs: A wisdom of bitter turning to sweet
Despite its name “bitter,” bitter gourd is given special significance during midsummer. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bitter gourd can clear the mind, clear heat, benefit Qi, and relieve fatigue. Stir-frying bitter gourd with eggs retains the fresh taste of bitter gourd while incorporating the richness of eggs. The combination of bitterness with sweetness brings endless aftertaste. This dish is not only delicious but also symbolizes facing the hardships of life with optimism, believing that sweetness will follow bitterness.
#### 3. Lotus root and pork ribs soup: A great nourishing dish
Lotus root, with a cool nature and sweet taste, is rich in dietary fiber and various trace elements, with the functions of clearing heat, cooling blood, invigorating the spleen, promoting appetite, and relieving constipation. Stewing lotus root with pork ribs can replenish the calcium and protein lost due to excessive sweating in summer, as well as nourish Yin, moisturize dryness, benefit Qi, and nourish blood. A hot bowl of lotus root and pork ribs soup is a warm presence on the family dining table during midsummer, nourishing the body and mind of the family.
#### 4. Winter melon tea: A natural cooling beverage
Winter melon, with its high water content and low calories, becomes an ideal ingredient for relieving summer heat. After washing and cutting the winter melon into pieces, adding appropriate sugar and water and slowly simmering it into winter melon tea preserves the freshness of winter melon while adding a touch of sweetness. Winter melon tea not only quenches thirst and relieves heat but also has diuretic and anti-edema effects, helping the body eliminate excess water and toxins. It is a natural beverage that is indispensable during midsummer.
### Doing 3 things
#### 1. Taking a nap to recharge and replenish energy
During midsummer, with long daytime hours and high temperatures, the body is prone to fatigue. At this time, taking a proper nap is particularly important. Napping can not only relieve the fatigue from morning work or study but also effectively improve mood and enhance afternoon work efficiency. It is recommended to nap for about half an hour to one hour; too long or too short is not conducive to the body’s recovery.
#In-depth Quality Content Plan##### 2. Moderate exercise to enhance physical fitness Although the weather is hot during midsummer, appropriate exercise is still essential. Choose early morning or late evening when the temperature is relatively low for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and tai chi. This not only enhances physical fitness and boosts immunity but also promotes metabolism, helping the body expel dampness and toxins. However, when exercising, sunscreen and hydration should be observed to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.#### 3. Maintain a peaceful mindset, cultivate character During midsummer, in addition to physical adjustments, maintaining a peaceful mindset is equally important. High temperatures can easily make people irritable and emotionally unstable. At this time, one can cultivate character through activities such as reading, meditation, and calligraphy to maintain inner peace and tranquility. Simultaneously, it is essential to learn to release stress, share concerns with family and friends, and allow the mind to relax and find solace. In conclusion, the traditional customs of “eating 4 things, doing 3 things” during midsummer not only conform to the laws of nature but also pursue a better life. Let us follow the old traditions while integrating modern scientific knowledge to pass through these hottest 20 days healthily and happily.
