The Speed of Breath

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I timed myself earlier. When nice and relaxed, I breathe approximately one complete breath cycle (inhalation/exhalation) once every 15 seconds, or 4 breaths per minute. I manipulated my breath to achieve 3 and then 2 breaths per minute. I think 1 breath would be pushing it a bit. I was surprised to find just how few breaths I actually take.

I would like it if you all would provide your own data, and challenge yourself to see how slow you can breathe. Or fast, why not. But this isn't about holding your breath, it's about smooth slow breathing. And don't make yourself pass out or otherwise endanger your health.

Happy breathing!

I was interested in this just a couple of months ago and did it as a sort of meditation in which I sat and counted (but did not control) my breaths for fifteen minutes at a time. After doing this over a few days, I became curious what is typical and asked the internet. I looked over a number of sites because they do not all give the same figures, but the majority of them agreed that the average adult at rest breathes approximately 12-20 times per minute. I found this unbelievable, my own average being six breaths per minute. Perhaps I'll try your task and see how much I can slow my breathing.

I'm around 7 normal breaths per minute but its extremely hard to breathe normally while thinking about it. 2 breaths a minute is nice and relaxing. I can just feel the calming effect sweeping across my body.

I breath more than you above and I generally breath fast. But I need more oxygen and I have higher VO2max than my peers.

I breathe once every couple seconds at my slowest. I guess it doesn't help that I have zero lung capacity... and asthma.

I actually constantly breathe, normally. My breaths are completely silent and so light that I can't feel them with my finger if I hold my finger to my lip. When concentrating HARD (including during weightlifting) I am incapable of breathing at all. My brother is similar and while getting blood taken at the doctors ended up passing out from holding his breath.