With the warmer weather also comes shorter tempers. If the heat has you feeling unusually hostile, don’t worry we have some suggestions to help you keep your cool. Whether your goal is just to physically cool down or to help keep your emotions from boiling over we’ve got you covered.

Just Breathe

Sheetali Pranayama is a simple breathing exercise. In Sanskrit, the word Sheetali means soothing or cooling.

Sheetali Pranayama cools both your body and mind while also lowering blood pressure. In a stressful situation, it only takes five minutes of this breathing exercise to effectively and significantly calm you. While it is best to learn Pranayama from a teacher if you want to try this next time you are feeling fiery and feisty here are the basics. Roll your tongue as pictured above, then start inhaling slowly through your tongue. You should immediately feel the air cooling on your tongue. Inhale for 4 seconds, then exhale through both nostrils for 6 seconds.

Essential Oil Cooling Spray

If you find yourself in a position where you can’t avoid the heat a few essential oils can help you beat it. As an added bonus this natural spray will also help sooth sunburns and calm bug bites. Nothing is worse than being hot and itchy, that is a combination that is sure to make anyone cranky. With only three ingredients it is quick and simple to make. Combine ¼ cup aloe vera gel, ¼ cup witch haze, and 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass spray bottle. Stir or shake the mixture until it is fully incorporated. Since all three ingredients are great for your skin you can use the spray as often as you need.

Yoga yourself through it

If you need to sedate irritation, anger, or just calm your intensity a bit yoga poses that place pressure on the naval and solar plexus region are great choices. A few great ones to consider are seated forward bend, simple spinal twist, fish pose, peacock, and plow.

Remember that when all else feels a cool shower or swim, or even just a moment of meditation in a cooler space can all work wonders for calming and cooling your body and spirit.