Breathwork Web App
A simple app to help you do breathwork exercises without counting, with customizable breathing patterns and visual guidance.
Breathwork V2 is a user-friendly web application designed to guide users through various breathwork exercises without the need for manual counting. This project aims to make breathwork more accessible and customizable, allowing users to influence their autonomic nervous system for various purposes such as relaxation, energy boosting, focus enhancement, and sleep improvement.
Project Overview
I developed Breathwork V2 to address the gap in existing breathwork applications, which often lack customization options or the ability to save personalized routines. This app provides a simple yet powerful interface for users to tailor their breathwork exercises to their specific needs.
Key Features
- Customizable Breathing Patterns: Users can set specific durations for inhale, inhale-hold, exhale, exhale-hold, and the number of repetitions.
- Visual Guidance: A simple visualization helps users follow along with the breathing pattern without counting.
- Saved Configurations: Configurations can be bookmarked or saved via URL for easy access to personalized routines.
- Shortcode Links: Quick access to specific breathwork plans for various purposes (e.g., calming, focus, sleep, energy).
- Responsive Design: Works seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes.
Technology Stack
- Runtime: Deno
- Framework: Fresh 1.x
- Language: TypeScript
- Deployment: Deno Deploy
Development Highlights
Deno and Fresh Framework: Leveraged the modern Deno runtime and Fresh framework for a fast, secure, and efficient development experience.
State Management: Implemented a robust state management system to handle the complex timing and visualization of breathing patterns.
URL-based Configuration: Developed a system to encode and decode breathing configurations in the URL, allowing for easy sharing and saving of custom patterns.
Continuous Deployment: Set up a GitHub Actions workflow for automatic deployment to Deno Deploy, ensuring the latest version is always available to users.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was creating a smooth and accurate visual representation of the breathing pattern. To address this, I:
- Implemented a precise timing mechanism using JavaScript's
requestAnimationFrame
for smooth animations. - Designed a circular progress indicator that intuitively represents the current phase of the breathing cycle.
- Optimized the rendering process to ensure consistent performance across different devices and browsers.
Impact and Usage
Breathwork V2 serves as a valuable tool for individuals looking to incorporate breathwork into their daily routines. It's particularly useful for:
- Stress management and relaxation
- Improving focus and concentration
- Enhancing sleep quality
- Boosting energy levels
The app's simplicity and effectiveness make it accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners of breathwork.
Future Enhancements
- User Accounts: Implement user accounts to save and manage multiple breathing patterns.
- Guided Sessions: Add audio guidance options for users who prefer verbal cues.
- Integration with Health Apps: Explore integration with popular health and wellness apps to track breathwork sessions.
- Community Features: Develop a platform for users to share and rate breathing patterns.
- Offline Support: Implement Progressive Web App (PWA) features for offline usage.
Conclusion
Breathwork V2 demonstrates the power of modern web technologies in creating practical, health-focused applications. By combining the efficiency of Deno and Fresh with a user-centric design, this project offers a valuable tool for anyone looking to harness the benefits of controlled breathing exercises.