Control Pause A diagnostic tool to gauge general respiratory health and breathing progress. Place a watch with a second hand or mobile phone with a stopwatch close by. Sit up with a straight back. Pinch both nostrils closed with the thumb and forefinger of either hand, then exhale softly out your mouth to the natural conclusion. Start the stopwatch and hold the breath. When you feel the first potent desire to breathe, note the time and take a soft inhale.
