MMaxTools

Breathing Exercise Timer

Guided breathing with an expanding circle — 4-7-8, box and coherent patterns.

The Breathing Exercise Timer guides slow breathing with an animated circle that expands as you inhale, holds, and contracts as you exhale — following classic patterns: 4-7-8 calming, box breathing (4-4-4-4) for focus, coherent 5-5 for balance, and a gentler 4-2-6.

Slow breathing is one of the best-supported instant stress tools: long exhalations activate the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate within minutes. That is why 4-7-8 (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) is prescribed before sleep and box breathing is taught to athletes and operators before high-pressure moments.

Watch the circle, not the counter — that is the point of the visual. A session counter tracks completed cycles. Nothing is recorded; the timer runs entirely in your browser.

Breathe in

4s

Cycles completed: 0 · one cycle ≈ 19s

Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system — a few minutes can lower heart rate and stress. Not medical advice; stop if you feel dizzy.

How to use the Breathing Exercise Timer

  1. Choose a pattern: 4-7-8, Box, Coherent or Relaxing.
  2. Press Start and follow the circle.
  3. Breathe in as it grows, hold, breathe out as it shrinks.
  4. Continue for several cycles (5–10 minutes works).
  5. Pause any time; the cycle counter tracks your session.

Frequently asked questions

What is 4-7-8 breathing?

Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale slowly through the mouth for 8. The long exhale drives the relaxation response — the pattern is famous for helping people fall asleep.

What is box breathing?

Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 — four equal sides like a box. Used by military operators and athletes for focus under stress, it is simple to remember and easy to do anywhere.

Is deep breathing always safe?

For most people, yes — but hyperventilation-style fast breathing is different from slow patterns like these. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop and breathe normally; consult a professional if you have respiratory or heart conditions.