Breathing timer

Follow the circle: breathe in as it grows, hold while it stays, and breathe out as it shrinks. Choose box breathing, 4-7-8, coherent breathing or your own pattern, set how long, and press Start.

Ready

The breathing patterns

PatternHow it goesOften used for
Box breathingIn 4, hold 4, out 4, hold 4Staying calm and focused under pressure
4-7-8In 4 through the nose, hold 7, out 8 through the mouthWinding down before sleep
Coherent breathingIn and out for about 5.5 seconds each, around 5.5 breaths a minuteA steady, relaxed rhythm
Longer exhaleIn 4, out 6An easy way to slow down

Breathe gently; you shouldn't feel strain. If the holds feel too long, use Custom and shorten them, or try the longer-exhale pattern. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, stop and breathe normally. Breathing exercises can help you relax but aren't a treatment for any condition.

Pair it with the meditation timer or nap timer.

Questions people ask

What is box breathing?

A simple pattern of four equal steps: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, and hold for 4, then repeat. It is popular for calming down and refocusing.

How do you do 4-7-8 breathing?

Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7, then breathe out through your mouth for 8. Repeat for a few rounds.

How long should I do breathing exercises?

Even 1 to 3 minutes can help you feel calmer. Many people practise for about 5 minutes once or twice a day.