Let’s be real, watermelon is pretty amazing. It’s yummy AND is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Watermelon aids with digestion and with all of its vitamin A is amazing for your skin.  Watermelon is mostly made of water which means it’s great for hydration. Sometimes when we’re busy focusing on other things, we neglect the signals that our bodies send us, telling us that we’re dehydrated. This can affect your mood or even make you feel hungry. If you notice your mood suddenly becomes lethargic or sluggish, it might be your bodies way of saying it needs a glass of water or some protein.  Have some watermelon as a snack to rehydrate and you’ll feel a lot better!

In addition to being very hydrating, watermelon has loads of electrolytes. Electrolytes control cell membrane stability and allow for transmission of nerve impulses. Other functions include contracting and relaxing the muscles, regulating body pH as well as blood pressure control. Electrolytes can be depleted due to sweating, urination, poor diet, diarrhea and vomiting. If throwing up is a side effect of the painkillers, you want to make sure that you are replenishing your body with proper nutrients.

Research has shown that muscle soreness might be alleviated due to the amino acid L-citrulline, making watermelon the perfect post-physical therapy treat!

Ayurvedically, watermelon is great to reduce Pitta, the fire element. Pitta types tend to be the most determined people. They have a drive that allows them to conquer many tasks, with great concentration and focus. Pitta types have a sharp memory and usually tend to be quite neat and organized. When Pitta is out of balance, an individual can be aggressive and argumentative. They have a hard time relaxing and tend to be so determined to the point where they might overdo things. In asana, Pitta types need to practice postures with moderation and ease, along with taking regular breaks. Watermelon is a great food to pacify Pitta types as they tend to have warm or hot skin temperature. Pitta types best benefit from Abhyanga with coconut oil as it’s soothing and cooling to the skin.

Recovery is hard! Setbacks can feel really disheartening and frustrating. While determination and force is needed to breathe through the pain and to conquer this recovery, Pitta types especially need to be in tune with themselves to know when they need rest. Take care of your body and listen to the signals. Injuries are amazing because they really do connect us with our bodies. As you journey through recovery, continue to expand and strengthen the mind-body connection. This will ensure the greatest comeback as a strong mind-body connection equals harmony instilling peace, joy and happiness.