What it actually means to raise your vibrational energy—plus 12 ways to do it

If your first inclination upon hearing the phrase “vibrational energy” is to associate it with a mediative practice related to spirituality, well…you’re on the right track, but think way less woo-woo. The practice—which indeed does have a connection to the wellness world and cultivating a healthy mind—is rooted in physics. “Einstein taught us that everything is energy,” says Sharon Hart, certified professional coach who focuses on alignment. So because everything is made up of energy, every person, place, and thing vibrates at a different frequency.

“High vibrational energy is energy that is good and strong,” says Marlene Vargas, co-founder of metaphysical shop House of Intuition. “This energy is pure, and it can come from whatever you want to call it—source energy, universe energy, God energy.” On the flip side, a low vibration energy is dark and dense and feels heavy, Vargas says. It’s often associated with negative emotions such as suffering, fear, and anger.

Based on this intel, then, the term “raise your vibration,” reflects that you have a self-awareness of your thoughts and emotions, says Tracee Dunblazier, spiritual empath, and shaman. You’re able to recognize when you’re in a low vibration emotion (like jealousy or grief) and do something to shift yourself into a high-vibration emotional state (such as joy, gratitude, or peacefulness).

But what is that “something” you can do to shift your vibrational energy from a low to high place? Check out 12 tips from the energy pros that you can implement to quickly elevate your vibe.

Below, find 12 tips for raising your vibrational energy, straight from energy pros.

1. Smudge your space

Smudging your home is a quick and easy way to banish lingering negativity and bring in some good vibes. Alex Naranjo, co-founder of metaphysical shop House of Intuition, recommends burning sage, palo santo, yerba santa, juniper, mugwort, or cedar. “Go through the space with all of the doors, windows, drawers, and cabinets open so that the stagnant energy can leave the space,” he says.

2. Get real with yourself

Being radically honest about who you are and what you want is one way you can elevate your vibrational energy and move forward in life, Dunblazier says. She recommends taking a closer look wherever you can identify any negative emotion since those areas are the ones that require some deeper self-honesty.

3. Find clarity

In order to manifest something into your life, you have to first have a clear vision of what it actually is and looks like. Clarity paves the way for you to open your mind and heart and begin to imagine the reality of having what you say you want,” Dunblazier says. Once you have that clarity, lean into the feeling of already having it in order to uncover any subconscious blocks that might be holding you back from actually gaining it.

4. Practice a morning ritual

Taking a few minutes to align your energy first thing in the morning sets the tone for your entire day, Hart says. To that point, it’s wise to implement an empowering morning ritual, whether that includes pulling a tarot card or doing a yoga flow. Do whatever makes you feel good. After the ritual of your choice, set an intention for what you want to experience on that day and then get into the energy of that intention.

5. Journal your vision

For an instant vibrational boost, Hart recommends a practice called scripting, which entails journaling about what you want to call into your life as if you already have it. Describe it in detail, like movie script, and include how the sensation of having it feels. This will help you raise your vibration to align with that of which you want.

6. Let your creative juices flow

If you love to paint, dance, or delve into DIY crafts, consider this your energetically sanctioned permission slip to do more of it. “We don’t take the time to just be creative like when we were little kids,” says licensed professional counselor Katie Beecher, who encourages people to let go of fear and expectations and connect with themselves by doing something creative and making it a habit.

7. Treat yourself with love

“The messages and thoughts that we give ourselves directly impacts how we feel,” Beecher says. “Treat yourself like you would treat somebody that you love.” That means ditching the negative self-talk and nourishing yourself with kind, compassionate thoughts and words—even if you have to fake it at first.

8. Cut back on toxins

Eliminating toxins that your body takes in will also help uplift your vibrational energy. “The more toxic our body is, the more we have to work hard to cleanse it,” Beecher says. So try eating nourishing, healthful food when possible, and use products free of damaging ingredients.

9. Connect to a higher power

Connecting to a higher power of your choosing is a powerful way to boost your vibration. “A lot of anxiety comes from feeling like you have to do everything yourself,” Beecher says. “One of the most important parts about connecting to some sort of higher power is feeling like you’re protected and not alone. It helps you get into a different realm, and it helps you to ground.”

10. Recognize when emotions aren’t yours

We can all pick up on the energy of the people around us, and if they’re vibrating at a low frequency, it’s very easy to confuse their feelings for our own if you’re not introspective. “We are in control of our energy,” Beecher says. “It’s important to recognize what your feelings are and where they’re coming from. You have the power to say, ‘No that’s not mine.’”

11. Pause throughout the day

When you have a mile-long to-do list and a schedule full meetings and full slate of responsibilities to take care of on any given day, it’s way too easy to operate on autopilot. To avoid this, Hart recommends taking a few moments to pause and just breathe throughout the day to quickly reset your vibration. Whether you take a walk around the block or do a mini-meditation in the bathroom, every breath and quiet moment will help shift the way you feel.

12. Practice self care

Whether you like to take CBD bubble baths or meditate daily, doing something for yourself is key for maximizing your vibrational energy. “Self care brings balance into our lives,” Vargas says. “Raising your vibration can also be done through going for a walk to get grounded, reiki healing energy, doing something that makes you feel good, being of service to others, practicing yoga, or doing devotional work on your altar.” Basically, anything that brings you joy will do wonders for raising your vibe.

Need more specific strategies for raising your vibrational energy? Here are 22 ideas for small acts of self care. Also, here’s the best morning routine for your zodiac sign.