He could feel his heart racing and forced himself to take slow, steady breaths.

I closed my eyes and tried to take some steady breaths.

He had to take two slow, steady breaths to pull himself in line.

Rather, he took a steadier breath, drew himself up, and smiled.

He emptied the cup and let out a long, steady breath.

She focused on her breathing, getting to slow, steady breaths.

She released the air she'd taken in, drew a steadier breath and continued.

She stared up at the clouds and forced herself to take long, steady breaths.

She drew a long, steady breath, looking into his bewildered eyes.

The captain made an effort to take slow and steady breaths.