Five minutes of slow breathing
What people do
Sitting comfortably and breathing in through the nose for a count of four, then out slowly for six, for around five minutes. A common first technique for calming down in the moment.
How it’s typically done
- Sit or lie down comfortably.
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of four.
- Breathe out slowly for a count of six.
- Continue for about five minutes.
Notes from people sharing it
People say it works best when practised daily, not only in stressful moments.
Background & evidence
Some research available
Explore where this practice comes from and what people say about it. Personal experiences and traditional use can offer useful context; research can help clarify which benefits are supported, what remains uncertain and where more study is needed. We identify the source type and link to further reading where available.
A few things to consider
Stop if you feel dizzy and return to normal breathing. If you have a respiratory or heart condition, or breath focus tends to trigger panic, ask a clinician first.