What is Paced Breathing?
Paced Breathing is an iOS and Android app that helps you improve your breathing. You just set your inhale, exhale, and hold times. Then press start and Paced Breathing will give you visual, audio, and vibrate cues for your breathing session.
Does it work?
There are countless studies showing the benefits of slow rhythmic and paced breathing. They show the practice improves cardiovascular health, stress, relaxation, and improve attention:
- Front Public Health (2017) showed in a study that slow rhythmic breathing decreased blood pressure response to stress and improved mood. (Source)
- PLOS ONE (2019) published a study showing that slow paced breathing can improve relaxation and cardiovascular function. (Source)
- The American Journal of Cardiology (2002) had study showing how paced breathing can significantly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. (Source)
- Research published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017) demonstrates that diaphragmatic breathing improves attention, reduces negative affect, and lowers stress in healthy adults. (Source)
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2005) highlighted in a study the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya, a specific yogic breathing practice, in treating stress, anxiety, and depression. (Source)
- Study in Nature Scientific Reports (2023) shows slow paced breathing counters pathways that lead to Alzheimer’s disease: (Source)
Is it safe to use?
Paced Breathing is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical conditions. Consult your doctor before starting any new breathing practices. Especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Paced Breathing is a tool – and like any tool, it’s important to use it right. The key is to not force yourself. You should never be straining yourself during your sessions – the point is to relax. If you find it hard to complete a session, please listen to what your body is telling you. Stop the session and readjust your times to something more manageable.
How can I get started?
Download the app for iOS or Android, then check out the tutorial!
Breathe Easy,
Mihai
Paced Breathing 