A fast (and free) way to cool down

The long Fourth-of-July weekend is upon us, and whether your plans involve a backyard barbecue, poolside lounging or a frolick in the park, one thing's for sure: it's gonna be hot.

To help you stay cool when the temperatures climb, borrow a trick from our yogini sisters and learn to love shitali pranayama, or "cooling breath":

1. Sit in a comfortable position.
2. Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose.
3. Roll the tongue, curling the sides in towards the center to form a tube. Stick the end of the tongue out between your pursed lips. If you can’t roll your tongue, just purse the lips making a small “o” shape with the mouth.
4. Inhale through the tube of the tongue.
5. Exhale through the nose.
6. Repeat 5–10 times as you feel the cooling effect.

Now, as you might imagine, this has the potential to look quite silly, but the benefits are well worth a few moments' embarrassment. Or you can always just tuck your head under your big floppy beach hat.

Here's to a cool, comfy holiday weekend, ladies!

(Hat tip: yoga.about.com)