Physiological sigh

A breathing pattern of two inhales followed by a longer exhale. Spontaneous sighs help reopen collapsed air sacs; deliberate repetitions are also used as a short calming practice. In practice you take a full inhale through the nose, add a short second sip of air, then let a long, slow exhale follow through the mouth. One to three repetitions are often enough to feel calmer, and a small 2023 study found five minutes a day of cyclic sighing improved mood. It is quick, discreet and generally safe, but should not be repeated so fast that it causes dizziness.