Summer in Houston means high temps, high humidity, and a real strain on your body, mood, and energy. While it’s tempting to stay indoors and power through, supporting your health holistically in the heat is key to staying balanced and well all season long. Here are Woo’s top natural tips and local recommendations for thriving in the heat—backed by science and full of feel-good, body-loving ideas.
Local Cool-Down Spots:
Nutrition
Gong Cha (Heights + various locations) – Light, refreshing green teas and low-sugar boba with aloe or basil seeds.
Flower & Cream (Kirby) – Vegan coconut milk ice cream options + house-made cones.
Green Seed Vegan (Midtown) – 100% plant based menu; named to Food & Wine’s Top 20 Vegan Restaurant in the U.S.
Bodywork
Albi Wellness Center (Galleria) – Try a Flowpresso lymphatic therapy session, which promotes detox, circulation, and full-body cooling.
Union Studio Yoga (Heights) – Restorative evening classes with cold lavender towels and breathwork. Recalibrate your nervous system and lower your core temp the mindful way.
Treatments
Milk + Honey (River Oaks + Montrose) - Shop their ultra-gentle, cooling Aloe body cream or book a seasonal Exfoliating Body Wrap to replenish your skin.
Be Huemn (Heights + Spring) - Your partner in all things longevity and health optimization, Be Huemn offers cold plunge therapy among many other services.
Products
Freya Hats (Museum District + in stores) – Local hats featuring UPF 50+ and blockl 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. Sustainably made by this super cool woman-owned business.
Drunk Elephant Sunscreen (online + in stores) – Founded in Houston, Drunk Elephant is committed to skin healthy clean ingredients.
Source Vital (online + Montrose spa) – Aromatherapy sprays, essential oil cooling blends, and custom facials. Their eucalyptus + spearmint foot soak is heavenly after a hot day.
Top Tips for Beating the Heat in Houston
Breathe Better: Take Shade Breaks + Breathwork Moments
Why it works: Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system (aka rest-and-digest mode), reducing cortisol and lowering blood pressure—especially helpful when the heat is already taxing your nervous system.
Try this: Practice the 4-7-8 breath: inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Try it when you're resting in the shade, cooling down after errands, or prepping for sleep.
Bonus: Add aromatherapy with calming essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus for a cooling boost.
Hydrate Smarter
Why it works: You lose electrolytes faster in the heat. Dehydration affects everything from your mood and energy to digestion and skin.
Try this: Add a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to your water, or use a clean electrolyte powder. Sip throughout the day—not just when you're thirsty.
Keep Your Cool Mentally
Why it works: Heat can spike irritability and brain fog. Listening to calming audio helps regulate your nervous system.
Try this: Create a calming playlist with nature sounds, guided meditations, or soothing podcasts. Play it while prepping meals, commuting, or winding down.
Protect from Sun Stress
Why it works: UV exposure and heat stress increase your body’s inflammation load, affecting everything from skin to hormones.
Try this: Use a non-toxic mineral sunscreen on your face, arms, and chest. Wear a breathable hat or light scarf when outdoors, and avoid peak sun hours (12–3 PM) when possible.
Create a Summer Wellness Kit
Why it works: Having easy access to supportive tools can reduce stress and improve daily routines.
Try this: Keep a small pouch with a cooling facial mist, electrolyte packets, herbal teas, natural bug spray, and a clean snack (think coconut chips or berries) to stay balanced on the go.
Use Cold to Your Advantage
Why it works: Cold exposure helps regulate internal temperature and lower inflammation.
Try this: Rinse your wrists and neck with cold water before heading out, or try short cold showers during hot days. Enjoy cold foods like smoothies with cucumber, mint, or watermelon to cool from the inside out.
Shift Your Mindset
Why it works: Reframing discomfort as temporary and purposeful can reduce the stress response.
Try this: Instead of “I hate this heat,” try “I’m supporting my body through the season.” Pair it with a daily cooling ritual, like iced herbal tea or a few minutes of grounding barefoot in the shade.
Houston summers are no joke—but with a few supportive practices, you can stay cool, centered, and well. Your body is doing a lot just handling the heat—so give it the love, hydration, and moments of pause it deserves.
Want more local wellness tips or seasonal swaps? Subscribe to Woo and stay inspired all year long.
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