Breathing space

This is a gentle breathing guide, not a treatment or a medical suitability check.

• Keep it easy. Breathe gently without forcing a deeper or longer breath. You can ignore the counts and return to your own rhythm.
• The hold is optional. Choose “No pause” if holding your breath feels uncomfortable or your clinician has advised against it.
• Check first if needed. If you have a heart or lung condition, or are unsure whether timed breathing or breath holds are suitable, ask your healthcare professional before using them.
• Stop if you feel unwell. If you feel dizzy, faint, increasingly breathless or more distressed, stop and return to your usual breathing. Seek medical advice for new or worsening breathlessness.
• Choose a safe place. Use while seated or comfortably supported. Do not use while driving, in water or when you need to stay alert. Keep your eyes open if that feels better.

If focusing on breathing feels uncomfortable, you can leave this exercise and focus on your surroundings instead.