4-4-4-4 Breathing Technique (Box Breathing) for Calm & Focus Use the 4-4-4-4 breathing technique to calm your mind and relax your body. How to do it: - Inhale for 4 seconds - Hold for 4 seconds - Exhale for 4 seconds - Hold for 4 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