Breathing apps

Breathing apps

  • Breathing apps can be a useful way to learn breathing techniques for the management of stress, anxiety, sleep problems and pain.
  • Find out more about breathing apps.
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Breathing apps are used to provide breathing exercises and deep breathing techniques, which can be helpful for your mental and physical health. Breathing exercises can be helpful in a variety of situations.

  • For stress or anxiety management, to calm the nervous system during stressful situations or anxiety attacks. Deep and slow diaphragmatic breathing can lead to a state of relaxation.
  • Before sleep, to wind down and improve sleep quality by slowing the breath and heart rate.
  • For meditation and mindfulness as part of guided meditation routines or mindfulness practices.
  • To reduce mental fatigue during work or study sessions.

Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

  • An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
  • If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
  • For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see How to choose a health app.
Apps Features Clinical review

Breathe2Relax

  • Guided breathing
  • Education and information
  • Available from Google
  • Play and iTunes
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Breathe2Relax
5 star review

Paced Breathing

  • Custom breathing profiles
  • Adjustable session times
  • Audio, visual and haptic (vibrate) cues
  • Available from Google Play
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about Paced Breathing
4 star review

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.