5-Minute Breathing Exercise to Instantly Boost Your Energy

If you’ve ever tried meditation, casual breathwork, or a committed pranayama practice, you’re likely aware of the power of your breath. The right breathing exercise has the power to transmute your mood, the way you feel in your body, and your energy levels.

The fourth of the eight limbs of yoga, pranayama is commonly translated as “breath control” and “life force extension.” It highlights the connection between the breath, mind, body, and your overall vitality. The takeaway? Your breath is a tool that, with direction, can provide near-instantaneous rejuvenation.

A breathing exercise that supports this is three rounds of Breath of Fire, a Kundalini mainstay and one of the most energizing pranayama practices around. This breath involves short, rapid exhales. In addition to an overall boost, you may find that your capacity for focus and concentration improves, too.

5-Minute Breathing Exercise for an Energetic Boost

All you need for this breathwork practice is your breath, body, and a pillow or block to help make your seated position as comfortable as possible.

Begin in a comfortable seat. Boost yourself up by adding a cushion or prop of your choice beneath your sit bones, elevating your hips to help lengthen your spine and breathe a little easier.

Sit tall and relax your shoulders. Your hands can rest in your lap, palms facing upward.

Begin with 5 rounds of slow, deep breathing.

Breath of Fire

Take one final inhalation and exhalation. Prepare for 3 rounds of Breath of Fire, each lasting for around one minute.

On your next breath in, inhale only partway. Exhale out of your nose in short puffs. This should make your belly dance, and it should feel effortful, but it can be as quick and forceful or slow and mindful as you’d like. Just keep pulling your belly button toward your spine with each exhale.

After 1 minute, take a long, slow, deep inhalation, hold your breath, and let out a big sigh on your exhalation. Take 2 more deep breaths before your next round of Breath of Fire.

For your second round of Breath of Fire, bring your hands to your heart in a prayer-like position. Repeat as above.

Finish your second round of Breath of Fire with a deep inhalation, sighing out on your exhalation. Take 2 more deep breaths before beginning your final round of Breath of Fire.

For this last round, bring your fingertips to the pads of your palms, spreading your thumbs wide. Raise your arms into a big v-shape. When you’re ready, begin.

Once the minute is over, raise your arms overhead, enjoy a big inhalation before exhaling your hands back to your thighs or lap.

Take a moment to notice how your energy has shifted. Take this reinvigorated energy with you through the rest of your day.