Breathing for Stress Relief (5-3-8-2 Technique) — Viewer Request This breathing pattern was requested by a viewer! Send your requests in the comments. Inhale for 5 seconds Hold for 3 seconds Exhale for 8 seconds Hold for 2 seconds Should you breathe through your nose or mouth? Go with what feels comfortable and relaxing to you, 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 -