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by 0cf8612b2e1e 1075 days ago
Never heard of it, but according to random website [0].

> Box breathing—also known as square breathing and 4-4-4-4 breathing—is a breathwork first popularized by Navy SEALs who used it to quickly sharpen concentration and enhance alertness. It requires inhaling for four counts, holding your breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and then holding your breath again for four counts.

[0] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/box-breathing

2 comments

For anyone interested, I first came across it in Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine. If I remember right it also goes into the OODA loop and other mental models, tips and tricks plus some info on physical fitness and flexibility. Good book.
It's quite relaxing, but I get the impression that's because your mind is filled with "Count to 4"/"Blarg my nose is stuffy"/"Jesus why is holding my breath for 4 seconds so hard"/"Wow I actually have to push to empty my lungs in 4 seconds"/etc
Haha, you have forever ruined box breathing for me, from now on I will only think about those things :)