Winter is a lovely time to embrace the natural stillness of the season, helping us to feel grounded, look inwards, reflect and reconnect with what we hold dear. It can sometimes, however, leave us feeling unmotivated and lethargic. If you find yourself lacking in zing, Surya Bhedana or ‘sun piercing breath’ is a lovely pranayama exercise for activating our sun energy, helping us to feel energised and awake.

1. Come to a comfortable seated position (a chair is fine too!).
2. Rest your left hand in your lap or somewhere comfortable.
3. Bring your right hand into Vishnu Mudra (see right), by bringing your first two fingers towards the palm of your hand. Your right thumb will rest lightly on your right nostril, your ring and little fingers will rest lightly on your left nostril.
4. If comfortable, close your eyes.
5. Inhale deeply through both nostrils and exhale deeply through both nostrils.
6. Gently close your left nostril (with your two fingers) and inhale through your right nostril.
7. Close your right nostril with your thumb and release your fingers to exhale through your left nostril.
8. Continue for up to three minutes, inhaling through your right nostril and exhaling through your left.
9. Finish by exhaling through your left nostril before releasing your right hand to your lap.
10. Allow your breath to return to normal and pause for a moment before opening your eyes, observing how you feel.