3 Breathwork Practices for Staying Cool & Comfortable This Summer

Ah, summer - the season of long sunny days and golden sunsets, and this year we've certainly had a lot of those. But along with the sunshine often comes the less pleasant: sticky heat and humidity.

When the air feels thick and heavy, it’s not just uncomfortable - it can also affect how we breathe. High humidity means there’s more moisture in the air, which can make it harder for sweat to evaporate and for our bodies to cool down naturally. It can also leave us feeling sluggish, short of breath, a bit irritable or even a little foggy-headed.

Here’s the beautiful thing: through Breathwork (Pranayama), we can counteract these effects. By practicing specific cooling and calming breathing techniques, we help the body regulate temperature, improve airflow, and bring a sense of lightness, calm and ease - even on those sticky, sweltering days.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by summer heat and humidity, these three soothing Breathwork practices are for you. They’re simple, refreshing, and can be done anytime you need a quick reset!

Left Nostril Breathing (Chandra Bhedana)

When summer nights are warm and humid, and sleep feels elusive, Chandra Bhedana is your best friend. This is one of my favourite practices, and it activates the 'lunar' (cooling) energy channel, helping your nervous system unwind.

How to Practice:

1. Sit tall and bring your right hand into Vishnu Mudra (fold index and middle fingers down).

2. Close your right nostril with your thumb.

3. Inhale slowly through your left nostril only.

4. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, open your right, and exhale slowly.

5. Repeat for 8–10 rounds.

   
   

Left-nostril breathing naturally cools the body and relaxes the mind, making it perfect for easing that sticky, restless feeling before bed.

Cooling Breath (Sitali Pranayama)

When humidity leaves you feeling heavy and overheated, this technique is like sipping on an internal breeze. It not only cools your body temperature but also helps clear that 'stuffy air' feeling in your lungs.

How to Practice:

1. Sit comfortably with a tall spine. Relax your shoulders.

2. Roll your tongue into a tube shape (or if you can’t, simply part your lips).

3. Inhale slowly through the tongue or lips, drawing in cool air.

4. Close your mouth and exhale through your nose.

5. Repeat for 8–10 rounds.

   
   

The act of drawing air through the mouth and over the tongue helps reduce internal heat and makes each inhale feel fresh and cooling - even when the air outside is heavy.

Hissing Breath (Sheetkari Pranayama)

If humidity makes you feel like you can’t quite catch a deep breath, The Hissing Breath offers a gentle way to reintroduce ease. Instead of rolling your tongue, you breathe in through gently clenched teeth, creating a soft, soothing 'hiss.'

How to Practice:

1. Sit comfortably and relax your shoulders.

2. Gently press your teeth together and part your lips slightly.

3. Inhale slowly through the teeth, feeling the cool air pass through.

4. Close your mouth, exhale through your nose.

5. Repeat for 8–10 rounds.

   
   

The controlled sip of air slows your breath, encourages deeper oxygenation, and counteracts that tight, shallow breathing that can come with muggy air.

Why not make the most of what's left of Summer and create a breath ritual. Even just 5 – 10 minutes a day of these practices can completely shift how you feel - physically and emotionally. Try them:

• First thing in the morning to start your day fresh.

• Midday when heat and humidity are at their peak.

• In the evening to cool down and prepare for restful sleep.

Next time you feel the air getting thick or your energy dipping, pause, close your eyes, and give your breath some attention. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these simple techniques can refresh both body and mind.