A short pause to catch one's breath or take a breather, often during physical activity or work.
ちょっと息休めにコーヒーを飲もう。
Let's have a coffee for a short break.
山登りの途中で息休めをした。
We took a breather during the mountain climb.
Compound of 息 (breath) and 休め (rest, from 休める). Literally 'breath rest'.