Frustrated? Cool Down in 5 Minutes or Less

Have you ever had one of those days? Been up all night with a sick kid, another child doesn't want to go to school, the dog has thrown up on the rug, and breakfast is burnt. Frustration has started to build and build. You are ready to call it a day, and go back to bed....and it's only 9AM. Now what? You are at a cross roads. You could let your day be ruined....or....you could...try something different.

Try this breathing exercise to keep your cool as things are heating up.

It's called Sitali breath in the yoga tradition. This breath is designed to cool down the physical and emotional bodies to gain clarity, wisdom, and space. Whether it be becoming overheated from warmer outdoor temperatures, heated by frustration, anger or anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations this is a good one to keep in mind.

Sitali Breath

1. First, sit down in a comfortable chair or on the floor with a cushion and back support.
2. Take a few cleansing breaths with an audible exhale.
3. Next, roll your tongue so that the outer edges curl into the center of the tongue (think cannoli or fruit roll up). *NOTE: not everyone can do this - it's genetic - so if you cannot, practice the next steps with a flat tongue.
4. With tongue rolled (or flat), breath out, then breath in along the tongue or through the center of the roll up like a straw. You may notice the air is cooler. 
5. Try this for 5-10 rounds.
6. Return to slow, even breaths. When you are ready return to your day relaxed, more at ease, and cool as a cucumber. 

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