Coherent breathing at about 5.5 a minute
Last updated 2 June 2026
Coherent breathing is a slow, even rhythm of roughly 5.5 breaths a minute, an inhale and exhale of about equal length, with no holds. It works by gently settling the body over a few minutes rather than fast. On iPhone, Sunholm paces it for you, fully offline and free to start.
How to breathe coherently
- Breathe in slowly through the nose for about five and a half seconds.
- Breathe out for about the same, smooth and unforced.
- No holding at the top or bottom, just an even wave.
- Keep it going for five to ten minutes.
The aim is a steady, equal rhythm, not a deep or forceful breath.
Why pace it with an app
Holding a precise rhythm by counting is the hard part, and counting keeps you alert when you want the opposite. Sunholm paces it with a calm visual, runs entirely on your iPhone so it works offline, and uses no third-party ads or tracking. It is free to start, with optional in-app purchases, and coherent breathing sits among nine techniques.
How it compares
| What helps | Sunholm | Plain timer |
|---|---|---|
| Paces an even 5.5 rhythm | Yes | No |
| Calm visual instead of counting | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Yes | Varies |
| No third-party ads or tracking | Yes | Varies |
| Other techniques included | Eight more | No |
Frequently asked questions
What is coherent breathing?
It is a slow, even breathing rhythm of about 5.5 breaths a minute, with the inhale and exhale roughly equal and no holds. It settles the body gently over a few minutes.
Why 5.5 breaths a minute?
That slow, even pace is a commonly used target for a calm, balanced rhythm. Sunholm sets the timing so you do not have to count.
Is there a free coherent breathing app?
Yes. Sunholm is free to start, paces coherent breathing and eight other techniques, runs fully offline, and uses no third-party ads or tracking.
Is Sunholm free?
Sunholm is free to download with optional in-app purchases. There are no third-party ad networks or trackers; free users do see occasional prompts about premium, and you can start right away.
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Sunholm offers general wellbeing and relaxation guidance, not medical advice or treatment for any condition. If a symptom is persistent, speak with a clinician.