three breaths
seconds per beat
you took three breaths.
three breaths is the smallest possible thing that actually helps someone. one button, three breaths, no accounts, no tracking, no monetization. it was built with the belief that a moment of calm should be free, instant, and available to everyone regardless of ability.
every design decision was shaped by accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA). four guidance modes (visual, audio, haptic, and screen reader) ensure the same core experience whether you're sighted, blind, deaf, or motor-impaired.
breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. used by navy seals and athletes to reduce stress and sharpen focus. the equal phases create a steady rhythm that calms the nervous system quickly.
developed by dr. andrew weil. inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. the extended exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, making it especially effective for calming anxiety and promoting sleep.
an ancient yogic breathing practice. inhale for a count, hold for four times that count, exhale for twice that count. it calms the mind, balances energy, and deepens awareness. the hold phase is where the work happens.
equal-length phases, typically 5 seconds each, designed to optimize heart rate variability. the symmetric rhythm helps the autonomic nervous system find balance between activation and rest. sometimes called resonance breathing.
set your own inhale, hold, exhale, and hold-out durations. useful if you're working with a therapist or practicing a specific technique. all values are saved between visits.
research shows that as few as three slow, deep breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress hormones. that's why this app does exactly three. enough to shift your state, short enough to actually do.
yes. it was built accessibility-first with WCAG 2.2 AA conformance. screen reader users get ARIA live region announcements for every phase. tested with VoiceOver (iOS/macOS), NVDA (Windows), and TalkBack (Android).
yes. after your first visit, the entire app is cached on your device via a service worker. works in airplane mode. you can install it to your home screen on iOS and Android.
each number in a pattern (like 4:7:8) represents beats. the seconds per beat multiplier controls how long each beat lasts. at 1 second per beat, weil (4:7:8) runs in 19 seconds. at 2 seconds per beat, it runs in 38 seconds. adjust to your comfort.
three breaths is free and will stay free. no tracking, no subscriptions. if it's helped you and you want to give something back, here are two organizations doing work worth supporting.
musicians performing in skid row, jails, and recovery centers across los angeles. music as a tool for dignity and connection.
one of the oldest human services organizations in los angeles. shelter, recovery, job training, and meals for people experiencing homelessness.
if you'd rather connect than donate, send a note.