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Breathing Timer
Follow the circle: breathe in as it grows, hold while it rests, breathe out as it shrinks. Choose a pattern and a session length and let the timer keep the count.
Press Start and follow the circle
How to use it
- Choose a pattern: box breathing, 4-7-8 or coherent breathing.
- Set how many minutes you want.
- Sit comfortably and press Start. Breathe in through your nose as the circle grows.
- Hold when it says hold, and breathe out slowly as the circle shrinks.
- Soft tones mark each change, so you can close your eyes. A bell ends the session.
The three patterns
Box breathing (4-4-4-4): in for four seconds, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. The equal sides make it easy to remember; it is widely taught as a way to steady yourself under pressure.
4-7-8: in for four, hold for seven, out for eight. The long exhale is the point. It was popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil as a relaxation exercise, often used before sleep. If the full counts feel like a strain, this is not the pattern to start with.
Coherent breathing (5-5): in for five, out for five, with no holds — about six breaths a minute. It is the gentlest of the three and a good default.
Go gently
Slow breathing should feel comfortable. If you feel dizzy, light-headed or short of breath, stop and breathe normally. People with a lung or heart condition, or who are pregnant, should check with a doctor before practicing breath holds. This page is a pacing aid, not medical advice.
Questions people ask
Which pattern should I start with?
Coherent 5-5 breathing has no breath holds and suits most people. Try box breathing next, and 4-7-8 once the others feel easy.
How long should a session be?
Two to five minutes is enough to feel a difference. Longer is fine if it stays comfortable.
Can I use it with my eyes closed?
Yes. Leave the tones on: a rising tone means breathe in, a falling tone means breathe out, and a soft steady tone means hold.
Does the circle animation respect reduced motion?
Yes. If your device is set to reduce motion, the circle stays still and the words and count guide you instead.