A breathing exercise for a cleaner start.

A simple pre-focus routine

1. Put the next task where you can see it.
2. Start the minute and follow the five-in, five-out rhythm.
3. When the timer ends, begin that one task before opening anything else.

What this minute is—and is not

This is a transition ritual, not a promise to increase productivity or treat attention problems. Its practical job is smaller: give your attention one clear place to land before you begin.

Why use an even rhythm?

A five-second inhale and five-second exhale is easy to remember and works out to about six breaths per minute, a pace often used in slow-breathing research. It is not universally ideal, so use a shorter count if five seconds feels too long.