Breathing Timer by InnoviCat

Breathing Timer is a free guided breathing tool that runs in the browser. No account, no install, no subscription. Pick a pattern and press Start. An animated circle expands as you inhale, pauses on holds, and contracts as you exhale, with a countdown, phase text, and optional sound and vibration cues for eyes-closed practice. The tool offers nine patterns plus a custom builder. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) uses equal phases for calm focus and is known for its use by Navy SEALs. 4-7-8 Relaxing is Dr. Weil's technique for sleep and anxiety. The Physiological Sigh (2-1-6) pairs a double inhale with a long exhale for quick stress relief. Coherent breathing (5-5) paces you at six breaths per minute for heart coherence. Deep Calm (4-2-8-2), Slow Paced (4-6), Extended Exhale (3-9), Energizing, and Alternate Nostril (Nadi Shodhana) round out the presets, and the custom pattern lets you set your own inhale, hold, exhale, and hold durations. Sessions fit how you practice. Set a cycle count with a duration estimate, or run unlimited. Focus mode gives a distraction-free full-screen view, and the Mini Player keeps the pacer in a small picture-in-picture window while you work. Sound cues come as bell, chime, tone, breath sounds, or silent, with volume control and vibration on supported mobile devices. You can save favorite patterns, share a link that carries your exact settings, and control everything from the keyboard. The page also explains the physiology behind each technique, including vagus nerve stimulation, heart rate variability, and resonance frequency breathing, with cited sources, worked examples, practical tips, and an FAQ covering how often to practice, which pattern fits which goal, and what beginners should start with. Breathing Timer is available in seven languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Greek, Dutch, Italian) and works on desktop, tablet, and phone. It is part of InnoviCat Tools, a collection of 150+ free browser-based tools.