Yoga Practices to Cool Your Mind
Heat and cold have the ability to transform our breath and our physical abilities—but using yoga practices we can make sure the transformation is one in alignment with our true self.
Extreme heat and cold impact our intuition and wisdom too.
A recent Harvard University study compared healthy college-aged students living and sleeping for 5 days during a heat wave without air conditioning to another group of students who lived in air conditioning for the same period. The study revealed the cognitive function and reaction time of those who lived in heat was 13% slower than their counterparts. They performed worse on tests and memory decreased as well.
During the intense heat of summer, we are not as clear-minded, even when we have the luxury of air conditioning in our homes and workplaces. In certain areas of the country, heat is compounded with high humidity, too. By mid-summer, many of us feel like we are walking around in a fog.
Decision making becomes more difficult, and even recalling simple things we know that we know seems to take longer. We may call it brain fog or senior moments – but be kind to your self - it is really your mind’s reaction to the heat.
Practices to Cool Your Mind
There are simple ways to cool yourself and your mind:
Sip a soothing infusion of tea and/or fruits
Spritz your body with a refreshing essential oil (rose is restorative) and water
Channel your energy through a relaxing mudra or hand gesture. This is a great way to chill when you feel hot or overwhelmed.
Of course, with any of the above, we must breathe.
Mindful, methodical breaths have a cooling, calming effect allowing you to counter the heat’s influence on your intuition and mind.
You can transform cloudy intuition and murky feelings when you take your mind from a place of non-focus to a place of focus.
When it’s hot out, don’t get fogged up. Focus on cooling yoga practices to make sure you stay clear-minded and sharp despite the high temperatures!
Take it in. Focus. Breathe.
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