5-5 Breathing for Calm, Focus, and Stress Relief Use 5-5 breathing to steady your mind and body. Inhale and exhale are equal length. You take 6 breaths per minute when doing this How to do it: Inhale for 5 seconds Exhale for 5 seconds Should you breathe through your nose or mouth? Go with what feels comfortable and relaxing — but here’s what many people find helpful: - Breathe in softly through your nose - Breathe out through your mouth, like you’re softly blowing on hot food to cool it down - O