The breath is a fundamental source of energy in your body.

When we forget to pay attention to how we breathe, we often find that our vibrant, life-force energy begins to contract. We become more susceptible to negative triggers in our environment, and it is easier to become flustered, angry, or upset.

When this happens, the best cure is often simply to notice the breath. Focusing on your breath in any form will likely raise your energy, calm your mind, and lift your spirits.

That said, in this post I want to share my 10 favorite breath techniques to raise your energy. These exercises focus specifically on moving more energy through your body, helping you to reset and approach your day with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

The Best Breath Exercises to Raise Your Energy and Mood

1. Stepping Back to Breathe. This is one of my favorite breath exercises because it only takes a few seconds to do and, when you practice it, it will instantly recharge and revitalize you. The key is to remember to step back, take a few long exhales and loud sighs, then rest into the space of the breath.
2. Now I Am Breathing In. This technique is so simple it is often overlooked. It is perfect if you are new to meditating, or if you just want to spend a few minutes resetting your mind and getting back to basics. The idea is simple: as you breathe in, think: “Now I am breathing in.” As you breathe out, think: “Now, I am breathing out.”
3. Ujjayi Breath. Ujjayi breathing is another great technique to anyone new to pranayama. It is a practice of breathing with a slight constriction in your throat, allowing for an audible oceanic sound as you inhale and exhale.
4. Kapalabhati Breath. Kapalabhati breath, also known as skull-shining breath, is one of the most active pranayama techniques in yoga. It involves a short, sharp exhalation through the nose, followed immediately by an automatic, reflexive inhalation. Repeating this cycle continuously raises your energy, specifically in your pineal and third eye.
5. Alternate Nostril Breathing. One of the most popular soothing breath techniques, alternate nostril breathing has you block each nostril individually, and switch back and forth between inhaling and exhaling through the right and left sides of the body.
6. Sun-Piercing Breath. Similar to alternate nostril breathing, but using a slightly different technique, surya bhedana pranayama is designed to help you activate energy by breathing through the right nostril. This is the awakening life-force, or “sun-piercing” element that will increase your vitality.
7. Bee-Buzzing Breath. Bhramari pranayama, also known as bee-buzzing breath, is another good technique for raising your energy because it brings a vibrant force into your skull, activating your mind and helping you to think more clearly.
8. Bellows Breath. Bhastrika pranayama is a seated breath exercise during which you actively and forcefull expel all of the air from your body. This action actives your natural energy and clears space for new intentions to settle in.

For more breath exercises, see our list of pranayama techniques.