Cyclic sighing: the fastest way to calm down
Last updated 2 June 2026
Cyclic sighing is a short, slow inhale, a small second sip of air to top up the lungs, then a long, slow exhale. That extended exhale is one of the quickest ways to settle the nervous system, often in a minute or two. On iPhone, Sunholm guides it, fully offline and free to start.
How to do a cyclic sigh
- Inhale slowly through the nose.
- Add a short second sip of air to fill the lungs the rest of the way.
- Exhale slowly and fully through the mouth, longer than the inhale.
- Repeat for a minute or two, letting the exhale stay long.
The double inhale followed by a long exhale is the whole technique.
Why it is worth one tap
Because it works fast, the value is having it ready in the moment rather than remembering the steps. Sunholm keeps cyclic sighing one tap away, paces it for you with a calm visual, runs entirely on your iPhone so it works offline, and does no tracking. It is free to start, with optional in-app purchases.
How it compares
| What helps | Sunholm | Unguided |
|---|---|---|
| Paces the double inhale + long exhale | Yes | No |
| One tap to start | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Yes | n/a |
| No tracking | Yes | n/a |
| Other techniques included | Eight more | No |
Frequently asked questions
What is cyclic sighing?
It is a breathing pattern with a slow inhale, a short second sip of air, and a long, slow exhale. The extended exhale helps the body calm quickly.
Is cyclic sighing the fastest way to calm down?
Many people find a few cyclic sighs settle them faster than other techniques, because of the long exhale. Sunholm makes it one tap away.
Is there a free cyclic sighing app?
Yes. Sunholm is free to start, guides cyclic sighing along with eight other techniques, runs fully offline, and does no tracking.
Is Sunholm free?
Sunholm is free to download with optional in-app purchases and contains no third-party ads or trackers, 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.