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Regulation30 seconds

The Physiological Sigh

When you're flooded

The fastest way down. Use it when you have almost no time.

  1. Inhale through your nose until your lungs feel about three-quarters full.
  2. Take a second, shorter sniff on top of that inhale.
  3. Let it all out slowly through your mouth — long and unforced.
  4. Repeat two or three times.

Why it works: The double inhale reinflates collapsed air sacs and offloads carbon dioxide quickly. It's the shape your body already makes when you sob or sleep — you're doing it deliberately.