Concept
A Mindful Breathing Lamp helps users practice controlled breathing for relaxation and stress reduction. The lamp guides users through inhale and exhale cycles using light intensity. It’s practical for mindfulness sessions and creates a calming environment for relaxation or meditation.
How It Works
- Sensors:
- A button starts and stops the breathing cycle.
- An LDR sensor can optionally track room lighting to adjust brightness for better visibility.
- Outputs:
- An RGB LED changes brightness to guide breathing: brighter for inhale, dimmer for exhale.
- P5.js visualizes the breathing cycle on a screen, providing additional prompts like “Inhale” or “Exhale.”
- Interaction:
- Users press a button to initiate the breathing session.
- The lamp and screen guide the breathing rhythm, with adjustable speeds for beginners or advanced users.
Required Components
- Arduino board
- RGB LED
- Button
- LDR sensor (optional for adaptive brightness)
- Resistors
- USB cable (for Arduino-P5.js communication)
System Flow
- Input:
- The button starts or stops the breathing cycle.
- The LDR measures ambient light (optional) for adaptive brightness.
- Processing:
- Arduino calculates the timing for inhale and exhale based on a preset breathing rhythm (e.g., 4 seconds inhale, 4 seconds exhale).
- Breathing cycle data is sent to P5.js for visualization.
- Output:
- The RGB LED gradually brightens during inhale and dims during exhale.
- P5.js displays synchronized visual prompts like a pulsing circle or “Inhale/Exhale” text to guide the user.
Features
- Calming Visual Feedback: Smooth light transitions help users focus on their breathing.
- Dual Interaction: Physical light and on-screen visuals provide a comprehensive breathing guide.
- Adjustable Settings: Users can modify the breathing rhythm for shorter or longer cycles.
- Portability: Compact and practical for use at home or in offices.
Inspirational Aspect
This project promotes mindfulness and mental well-being by providing a tangible way to focus on breathing. It’s especially valuable for those who struggle with stress or anxiety and offers a simple yet powerful tool to practice relaxation techniques.