Deep Breathing Timer
Guided pacer · 5-2-5 · press start, no signup.
Deep breathing with a 5-2-5 pattern — inhale for 5, a short 2-second hold, exhale for 5 — slows your breathing to around six breaths per minute, a rate linked to reduced stress and steadier heart-rate variability.
Follow the circle to keep an even, unhurried pace. It's a gentle, all-purpose technique with no breath-holding strain.
Tip: Breathe from your belly, not your chest — your stomach should rise on the inhale. Slow, low breathing is what signals safety to the nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
What is 5-2-5 deep breathing?
A slow breathing pattern: inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 5. It paces you to roughly six calming breaths per minute.
What are the benefits of deep breathing?
Slow deep breathing can lower stress, reduce heart rate, and improve focus by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
How often can I do it?
As often as you like — a few minutes several times a day is a safe, effective way to reset.
More breathing & meditation
FlipFocus has these breathing guides plus meditation soundscapes in the full app.