Safety
Gentle breathing is generally safe for most people. A few simple guidelines keep it that way.
Comfort comes first
- Breathe in a way that feels easy. The counts are a guide, not a target.
- You never need to make your breath bigger. Slow breathing works with ordinary-sized breaths.
- Pauses between breaths are always optional, and should feel like a rest rather than a hold.
When to stop
- Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy, light-headed, faint, tingly, short of breath, panicky, or unwell in any way.
- Breathing faster or more deeply than you need can lower carbon dioxide in the blood and cause these feelings. They usually settle within a few minutes of ordinary breathing.
- If symptoms do not settle, or you have chest pain or real difficulty breathing, seek medical help.
You decide how
- Eyes open is completely fine.
- Sit, stand, or lie down — whatever feels comfortable.
- Breathe through your nose or mouth, whichever is easier.
- You can stop at any time, for any reason.
Some people may want extra care
- Most people can use gentle breathing safely. US NIH guidance notes rare reports of relaxation techniques worsening symptoms for some people with epilepsy, certain mental health conditions, or a history of trauma or abuse.
- If you are pregnant, or have a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition, keep breaths natural-sized and leave optional pauses switched off. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
- If focusing on your breath makes you feel worse, try Look Around, which does not involve the breath at all.
What this app is not
- Saans does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition, and it cannot tell how you are doing.
- It is not a replacement for a doctor, psychologist, counsellor, or emergency care.
- If you are struggling, talking to someone can be the next step. The support page lists options.
If you may be in immediate danger, contact your local emergency service or go to the nearest emergency department. Need more support?