Innermotion: a breathing app from Zena WellBeingCo
Innermotion is a free, calming breathing app. A flock of birds gathers in as you breathe in and opens out as you breathe out, so you always know when to breathe in and when to breathe out. It's a gentle way to pause, whether you have one minute or five.
How it works
Choose a rhythm. Pick one of nine, grouped as Wind down (Calm, Relax, Sleep, 4-7-8), Steady (Balance, Deep, Box) or Lift (Energise, Quick boost). Each one has a one-line description under the buttons.
Choose a length. One, three or five minutes.
Check in (optional). Tap a number from 1 to 5 to say how you feel right now.
Press Begin. The flock gathers in as you breathe in and opens out as you breathe out. The words on screen ("Breathe in", "Hold", "Breathe out", "Rest") and a countdown guide you.
Add sound (optional). Switch on a soft tone that rises as you breathe in and falls as you breathe out.
Finish and see your progress. When you've completed at least one full breath, a star joins My sky. Check in again to see how you feel, and look back at your month.
Share it. Breathe together with friends or your team at the same moment, send a kind words card, or try the 7-day calm challenge.
Your screen stays awake during a session, so you can put the phone down and just breathe. Your stars and settings are stored on your own device.
"Wind down for bed with the Sleep lantern, found under Share and more."
Sleep lantern. A softly glowing lantern for bedtime. Open Share, then Share and more, then Sleep lantern. Choose 10, 20 or 30 minutes and press Start. Breathe in as the light grows (about 4 seconds), and breathe out as it softens (about 8 seconds). Over the session the lantern slowly dims until the screen is completely dark. Put the phone down and let go. When you're ready, tap the screen to close it. A star joins your sky when the session finishes, and the sound is optional.
Tip: turn the volume and brightness down before you start. The screen stays on until the light has faded, and it can be used in any quiet moment, not only at bedtime.
The benefits of breathing
Slow, steady breathing is one of the simplest ways to pause. Health services such as the NHS recommend breathing exercises for everyday stress, and they suggest you'll get the most from them when you practise regularly. Here's why many people use them:
A calmer moment. Slowing your breath often helps you feel more settled, right when you need it.
A break from racing thoughts. Following the flock gives your mind one simple thing to focus on.
A gentle wind-down. Longer out-breaths are common in relaxation techniques, and many people find them settling, especially in the evening.
You notice tension sooner. The more you practise, the earlier you spot when your breathing has tightened because of stress.
Nothing to buy and nowhere special to go. One minute is enough, and you can do it at your desk, on a bus, or in bed.
A small, regular habit. A few minutes a day builds a routine, and Innermotion keeps count so you can see it.
Breathing exercises are a relaxation tool, not a treatment. If you're struggling, please speak to your GP or someone you trust, or find a helpline at findahelpline.com. For a simple NHS exercise to try away from the app, see NHS: breathing exercises for stress.
iPhone: open app.zenawellbeingco.com in Safari, tap the Share button, then choose Add to Home Screen.
Android: open it in Chrome, tap the three dots, then choose Install app or Add to Home screen.
Once it's on your home screen, it opens full screen like any other app.
Your privacy
Innermotion keeps your stars and settings on your own device. There are no accounts to create.
Please note
Innermotion is a relaxation tool, not medical advice. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, return to normal breathing. If you're struggling, free and confidential support is available in almost every country at findahelpline.com.
If it's more than everyday pressure, you are not on your own. Free, confidential helplines in almost every country are listed at findahelpline.com. The World Health Organization also offers a free illustrated guide to coping with stress, "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress".
UK, NHS staff: NHS Practitioner Health, 24/7 crisis text line. Text NHSPH to 85258.
UK and Ireland: Samaritans. Call 116 123.
United States: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988.
Canada: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 9-8-8.
Australia: Lifeline. Call 13 11 14.
A note on links
After a session, Innermotion may suggest guided self-hypnosis audios from Growth Zone.
Disclosure: If you join through this link, Zena WellBeingCo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this work.
