Breathing for Calm Focus in 5 Minutes

A simple breathing pattern to reduce stress signals and help your attention feel steadier.

Breathing for Calm Focus in 5 Minutes
Breathing is a fast way to nudge your nervous system toward calm.

The pattern: 4 in, 6 out

Inhale gently for 4 seconds, exhale slowly for 6 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.

  • Keep shoulders relaxed.
  • Exhale like you’re fogging a mirror—soft and slow.
  • If dizzy, shorten the exhale slightly.

Where to use it

This works well as a transition: before work blocks, after meetings, or before sleep.

  • Before deep work: 2 minutes
  • After stress: 5 minutes
  • Before bed: 3 minutes

Make it a habit cue

Attach breathing to something you already do, so you don’t rely on memory.

  • After you sit at your desk.
  • Right after lunch.
  • After brushing teeth at night.

Wellness cue

Small calm moments prevent stress from piling up.

"You don’t need more willpower—just a reliable reset button."

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