Summer has finally fully arrived here in Montana, and I’m already overheated. How did I survive all those summers in hot n’ humid DC?! The last 2 days are probably the first time this year that we’ve gone above 80 degrees.

So, I’m practicing what I preach: a cooling, restorative moon sequence for hot summer/low-energy days, my latest yoga how-to on the Athleta Chi. Amusing to recall that I wrote this while wearing a sweater.

One of my fave pranayama exercises is included: sitali pranayama helps prevent overheating and gets rid of toxins. It doesn’t, however, look very pretty. Do it when you are feeling overheated; try it before you come indoors to air conditioning, to transition the body from hot to cold temps with less of a shock.

The how-to:

1. Curl the sides of your tongue and stick the tip of your tongue out. Keep your lips as relaxed as possible.
2. Inhale through your “tongue tube”, then press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth as you exhale through your nose. Try to make your exhale longer than your inhale. Notice the coolness of the air as you inhale through your tongue tube.
3. Repeat 5-10 times. Close your eyes when you finish, and take a few deep breaths.

Hope you’re keeping cool.