Breathing exercise · 2 · 6
Physiological sigh breathing — 2 · 6 — for a hot day, when you are doing this for the first time
2 · 6 breathing: a second short sip of air on top of the first, then a long release.
Follow the circle. It counts for you.
How it works
In through the nose, in again a little more, then out through the mouth for a long, slow count. If this is your first go, stay with the plainest version of the instructions. Simple things first: contact, weight, temperature.
Why it can help
The stacked inhale is the important part. One breath in, then a small extra sip on top.
The pattern, in seconds
| Phase | Length | Starts at |
|---|---|---|
| Inhale | 2s | 0s |
| Exhale | 6s | 2s |
One round is 8 seconds. At the default 4 rounds this practice runs 32 seconds — about a minute — plus a breath or two of ordinary breathing between rounds.
Good for
- when you are tired but cannot afford to be
- when you are the only person awake in the house
- as a way to mark the end of the working day
Tips
- Two minutes done properly beats ten minutes done while checking your phone.
- If you lose count, start the round again rather than guessing.
- Nothing is held here, so there is no moment where you are waiting for permission to breathe.
Please note
The double inhale is gentle, but if you feel lightheaded, reduce it to a single inhale and a long exhale. Stop if you feel dizzy. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with a doctor before starting a new breathing practice.