By Tania Wilk 500RYT

Are you overheating under the summer sun? Try these breathing techniques that cool you down and feel oh so good.

You can do these in any comfortable upright position or lying on the floor. Practice in the car (with head in neutral!), at work, on the beach or anywhere you choose! These breaths pacify excess heat in our system and also help to reduce the 3 A’s : Anger, Agitation & Anxiety. They also come in handy when you are feeling drowsy, in a slump or need to focus!

Sitali Pranayama
Lower your chin slightly and begin to curl your tongue lengthwise. Inhale as if you are sipping through a straw while lifting your chin up towards the sky (if you have any neck pain or issues just keep head in a neutral position). At the end of your inhale release the tongue and close your mouth. Through the nostrils exhale slowly as you move your chin back into a neutral position.

Can’t curl the tongue? No worries its a genetic trait! Try this version instead.

Sitkari Pranayama
Start by lowering your chin with lips slightly apart and the tip of your tongue on the back of your bottom teeth. As you inhale, allow the air to rush over the tongue between your teeth as you tilt your chin up towards the ceiling (if you have any neck pain or issues just keep head in a neutral position). Exhale through the nostrils with mouth closed as you bring your chin back into a neutral position.

Repeat for 8 to 12 Breaths.
You can practice these breathing exercises 2x/day or whenever you feel stressed our overheated.

Enjoy!