3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Cool This Summer

Feeling frazzled, overheated or burnt out? Here are a few simple ways to calm your nerves and temper the intensity:

Stay Hydrated
Nothing will zap your energy and leave you feeling lethargic or cranky faster than dehydration. If sipping plain water isn’t your thing, try adding 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp of Liquid Chlorophyll to your water. Chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer, a caffeine-free energizer and it helps alkalize the body. The peppermint flavor is extra fresh and cooling on a hot summer afternoon.

Take a Deep Breath
Sitali Breathing is a technique used in yoga to cool the body and emotions. To practice sitali breath, find a comfortable seat with a tall spine, and rest your hands in your lap. Roll your tongue like a straw (or purse your lips like you’re sipping through a straw) and inhale, feeling the air cool your tongue. Then close your mouth and exhale out through your nose. Sitali breath is a good exercise to use for emotions that generate heat in the body, like anger, irritation and impatience. This breath can be practiced anywhere from a few cycles to a few minutes, until you feel cool, calm and collected.

Move Mindfully
Overexertion, whether physical or mental, can fry your nerves. Any movement done mindfully and slowly is a calming remedy. Try countering your excess heat with these 3 cooling, soothing yoga poses:

     Camel. Release heat by stretching your abdomen, solar plexus and chest. Start with your knees hip distance apart and place your hands on your lower back. Hug your navel in and up as you lift your chest and gaze up. If your lower back feels supported, place your hands on your heels for more opening across your chest. Time: 3-5 breaths, 1 or 2 sets.
     Butterfly. When overheated, we become more self-critical, agitated and competitive. Surrender your efforts and turn inward with this fold. Start from seated and bring the soles of your feet together. Interlace your fingers around your toes and round forward. Feel enough space in the front of your body that you have room to take deep, steady breaths. To lessen the intensity, prop each knee up with a blanket or block. Time: 2-5 minutes
     Legs Up the Wall. The ultimate restorative pose, this gentle inversion helps you shift into a state of rest and relaxation. Lay down with your tailbone towards a wall and slide your legs up. If your hamstrings are tight, position yourself farther from the wall or bend your knees. Time: 5-15 minutes.