There are various synonyms for stopping for a breath that can be used in place of the phrase. Some of the options include resting for a moment, pausing to catch one's breath, taking a breather, halting for a quick respite, refreshing oneself, intermission, and break-time. All of these terms effectively communicate a temporary pause or break in activity for the purpose of recuperating before continuing. The choice of synonym often depends on the context in which it is used and the tone or style of writing or speaking. Overall, there are many ways to express the idea of taking a brief pause to rest and recharge.