Breathe along with the light
Press start and follow the guide: breathe in as the orb grows, hold while it rests, and breathe out as it shrinks. The words under the timer tell you what to do and count down each step, so you can close your eyes and just listen if you turn on the soft tones.
Prefer the classic picture of box breathing? Switch to Box and a light traces each side of a square: up as you breathe in, across as you hold, down as you breathe out.
Four breathing patterns
- Box breathing (4-4-4-4). In, hold, out, hold for four seconds each. Used by athletes and the military to stay calm under pressure.
- 4-7-8 breathing. In for 4, hold for 7, out for 8. A popular way to wind down before sleep.
- Calm (5-5). Slow, even breaths, about six a minute. Easy to keep up for longer.
- Long out (4-6). A longer breath out than in, for a quick reset during a busy day.
Good for
- A short reset between tasks or before a meeting
- Winding down before sleep
- Calming nerves before a test or a talk
- A breathing break in class
- Pairing with a Pomodoro break
Who it’s for
- Teachers and classrooms. Put the breathing timer on the projector or smartboard for transitions, centers, tests and clean-up time. It’s easy to read from the back of the room.
- Kids and parents. Seeing time drain away makes waiting easier to understand than numbers alone, for routines like brushing teeth, screen time or getting ready.
- ADHD, autism and visual thinkers. A visual timer shows time passing instead of just counting it, which many people find easier to follow and less stressful.
- Students. Study sessions, homework sprints and timed exam practice, with a calm visual instead of a ticking clock.
- Meditation, yoga and relaxation. A quiet, soothing timer for breathing exercises, stretching or winding down.
- Work and focus. Pomodoro blocks and focused work sessions, with a mini window that floats over your other apps.
Other timers
Sand timers
Questions
What is box breathing?
Box breathing is breathing in, holding, breathing out and holding again, each for the same count, usually four seconds. The four equal steps are like the four sides of a box, which is what the Box style shows.
What is 4-7-8 breathing?
Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, then breathe out slowly through your mouth for 8. Many people use it to relax and fall asleep.
How long should I do it?
Even one to three minutes can help you feel calmer. Try three minutes to start, and longer when you want to wind down properly.
Is it safe?
For most people, yes. Breathe gently and never strain. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop and breathe normally. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor first.
Does it keep running in another tab?
Yes. The timer counts real time, so it stays correct while you switch tabs, and the chime still plays when time is up.
Is it free?
Yes. No account, no download, and no pop-ups.