Morning breathing exercises: a short routine for the start of your day
You don't need to learn anything new to build a short morning routine: it is enough to do three exercises already in Shore, one after the other. This guide explains the order we suggest for the morning and what each step is.
Shore's idea for “As your day begins” is this: start your day on your own shore, not by scrolling. The routine below is a small example of that idea: one breathing exercise, one neck movement and one light movement.
The routine is a suggestion; nobody tells you to do it in Shore. You can pick only the step you want, change the order or shorten it. All three steps stand as separate exercises in the app.
The routine: three steps
Go in order; you do each step by opening the matching exercise in Shore.
- Box Breathing, one box. Start with breath. Count 4 in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold; in Shore one box takes about a minute and a half. Equal counts: in, hold, out, hold. It can help you focus.
- Follow the sun. Then move to your neck: Your neck softens as you follow the sun, and your sunflower grows. Turn your head only as far as is comfortable.
- Create your light. Finally, create your light with your hands: Create your light between your palms and dance with it, drawing infinity. Keep the movement small and slow.
What you'll see in Shore
All three exercises have their own drawing on screen. In box breathing a dot travels the edges of a square. In Follow the sun you breathe in at the centre and, as you breathe out, turn your head to the side with the sun. In Create your light you rub your palms together; your light is born between them and you draw infinity with it.
The moving pictures above show how the three exercises look in Shore.
Small tips
The three steps are short. You don't have to do all of them; even box breathing alone is a small stop at the start of your day.
If you want a longer transition, there is Four elements too. The info box in the app describes it as “for a soft transition into your day or evening”.
In every exercise the screen stays awake, and sound is off by default. So you can do it in the morning in a quiet corner.
The order of the routine: breath, neck, hands. You can do it standing or sitting; for the light movement let your arms rise only to a height that is comfortable.
Questions people ask
How long does this routine take?
One box takes about a minute and a half; the other two exercises are short movements. You decide the length: you can stop at any step.
Can I change the order?
Yes. This order is only a suggestion; each exercise works on its own in the app.
Do I have to do it every morning?
No. There is nothing you have to do in Shore; do it on the days you like, for as long as you like.
Do I need an account for Shore?
No. It opens in your browser, with no account and no ads, and once you have opened it, it works offline too.
Safety
Includes breath holds. If you have a heart, blood pressure or breathing condition, or are pregnant, check with your doctor first. Don't force your breath; if you feel dizzy or short of breath, stop and breathe normally.
- Turn your head only as far as is comfortable.
- If you feel pain, nausea or dizziness, stop and check with a healthcare professional.
Keep the movement small and slow; let your arms rise only as high as is comfortable, with soft shoulders and elbows and slightly bent knees. If your shoulder or back feels uncomfortable, make the movement smaller or stop; if you feel dizzy, stop and sit down.
Updated: 13 November 2026