Skip to main content

User Guide

Overview​

ResonantBreatheBar is a macOS menu bar app that guides you through resonant breathing exercises to optimize your heart rate variability (HRV). The app lives in your menu bar for quick, non-intrusive access to breathing exercises throughout your day.

Installation​

  1. Download ResonantBreatheBar.app
  2. Drag to your Applications folder
  3. Double-click to launch
  4. Look for the breathing icon in your menu bar (top-right of screen)

First Launch: macOS may ask for permission to run the app. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security to allow it.

How It Works​

Starting a Breathing Session​

  • Single Click the menu bar icon to start/stop breathing
  • Icon animates to show current breathing phase
  • Follow the visual cues:
    • Expanding circle/up arrow: Inhale
    • Contracting circle/down arrow: Exhale
    • Steady circle/dash: Hold breath

Understanding the Display​

Circle Mode (Default)​

  • Small circle = start of inhale or end of exhale
  • Large circle = full inhale
  • Opacity changes to indicate breathing depth

Text Mode​

  • ↑4 = Inhale, 4 seconds remaining
  • ↓3 = Exhale, 3 seconds remaining
  • –2 = Hold, 2 seconds remaining
  • Start/Stop: Toggle breathing exercise
  • Settings: Customize breathing patterns
  • About: App information and support links
  • Quit: Exit the app

Breathing Patterns​

Preset Patterns​

Resonant Breathing (4-4)

  • 4 seconds inhale, 4 seconds exhale
  • Optimal for most beginners

Resonant Breathing (5-5)

  • 5 seconds inhale, 5 seconds exhale
  • Standard HRV optimization pattern

4-7-8 Breathing

  • 4 seconds inhale, 7 seconds hold, 8 seconds exhale
  • Calming technique for stress relief

Box Breathing

  • 4-4-4-4 pattern (inhale-hold-exhale-hold)
  • Used by Navy SEALs for focus and calm

Custom Patterns​

Create your own pattern by adjusting individual phase durations in Settings.

Tips for Best Results​

  1. Find a comfortable position - Sit upright with feet flat on floor
  2. Breathe naturally - Don't force deep breaths
  3. Start with shorter sessions - 5-10 minutes is plenty for beginners
  4. Practice regularly - Daily practice yields best HRV improvements
  5. Monitor the icon - Hover over it to see countdown timer

Keyboard Shortcuts​

  • Settings: Cmd + , (when menu is open)
  • Start: S (when menu is open)
  • Stop: X (when menu is open)
  • Quit: Cmd + Q (when menu is open)

Troubleshooting​

App doesn't appear in menu bar

  • Check if app is running in Activity Monitor
  • Restart the app
  • Check System Settings > Privacy & Security

No sound notifications

  • Ensure sound is enabled in Settings
  • Check system volume isn't muted

Icon not updating

  • Try switching display modes in Settings
  • Restart the app

Support​