Circle breathing

Instructions: Imagine tracing around a smooth circle with your breath

Steps:
Breathe in slowly as you imagine drawing the top half of a circle (4 counts)
Breathe out slowly as you complete the bottom half (4 counts)
Keep your breathing smooth and continuous like the circle
Repeat for 5-10 complete circles
Benefits: Creates a sense of continuity and flow, great for calming racing thoughts

square breathing

Instructions: Follow each side of the square with a different breathing action
Steps:
Breathe in for 4 counts (bottom side)
Hold your breath for 4 counts (right side)
Breathe out for 4 counts (top side)
Hold empty for 4 counts (left side)
Benefits: Builds focus and control, excellent for test anxiety and performance pressure

triangle breathing

Instructions: Follow the three sides of the triangle with your breath
Steps:
Breathe in slowly up the left side (4 counts)
Hold your breath across the top (4 counts)
Breathe out down the right side (4 counts)
Repeat the triangle pattern
Benefits: Easier than square breathing, great for building confidence in breath control

star breathing

Instructions: Breathe in on the way up each point, breathe out on the way down
Steps:
Start at the bottom left point
Breathe in as you trace up to the top point
Breathe out as you trace down to the bottom right
Continue around all 5 points of the star
Benefits: Longer breathing cycle promotes deeper relaxation and mindfulness