💨 Breathing
Coherent breathing
About this exercise
Flowbuddy guides you through five breathing rhythms. Slow, comfortable breathing may support short-term calm and body awareness; responses vary. Never force the breath, and stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell.
Extended exhale
Origin: Exhaling longer than inhaling appears in several relaxation and yogic breathing practices; it has no single inventor. Pattern: Flowbuddy begins with 3:4 and later uses 4:6 seconds. Possible effect: The simple rhythm may slow breathing and ease the transition into a calmer pace.
Coherent breathing
Origin: This approach comes from modern resonance-frequency breathing and HRV biofeedback practice. Pattern: 5 seconds in and 5 seconds out – about 6 breaths per minute. Possible effect: Around this rate, breathing, heart rhythm, and the baroreflex become especially synchronized for many people, although individual resonance rates vary.
Box breathing
Origin: Also called square or tactical breathing, it became widely known through military, first-responder, and performance training. Pattern: Inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again for 4 seconds each. Possible effect: Even counting may focus attention and provide a sense of structure during tense moments.
4-7-8 breathing
Origin: The widely used modern form was derived from yogic pranayama traditions and popularized by Andrew Weil. Pattern: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Possible effect: The long exhale may feel calming. The long hold is demanding – shorten the timing when needed and never strain.
Advanced breath training
Origin: A Flowbuddy combination of longer breathing phases and pauses, not a distinct historical method. Pattern: Timings increase with the difficulty level. Possible effect: The more complex rhythm challenges focus and breath control. Use it only while easier levels remain comfortable; breath holds are not a performance test.
