In a world buzzing with constant stimuli, finding a moment of grounding can feel like a luxury. As someone sensitive to electromagnetic fields and easily overstimulated, I’ve discovered that connecting to the earth’s energy is more than a wellness trend—it’s a necessity. However, life doesn’t always grant us the luxury of kicking off our shoes and feeling the grass beneath our feet. That’s where breathwork comes into play.
Box Breathing: Finding Rhythm in Motion
One technique that has become my go-to during walks is box breathing. The structured rhythm—inhale, hold, exhale, hold—creates a cadence that mirrors my steps, anchoring me in the present moment. It’s a moving meditation that subtly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. By the time my walk is over, I feel more balanced, as if the simple act of breathing has tethered me back to the earth.
The Physiological Sigh: A Simple Reset
Another gem in my breathwork toolbox is the physiological sigh. This technique involves taking a deep breath in through the nose, followed by a second, shorter inhale, and then a slow exhale through the mouth. It’s quick, discreet, and incredibly effective. When I practice it in the morning or before bed, it feels like a mini-reset button for my nervous system.
But what makes the physiological sigh so powerful? It has to do with the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance in the brain. The double inhale fills the lungs to their capacity, increasing oxygen levels, while the extended exhale removes excess carbon dioxide. This shift in gases can help reduce anxiety and bring clarity—almost like clearing fog from a windshield.
Breathwork as a Form of Grounding
While literal grounding—standing barefoot on the earth—remains a crucial part of my routine, these breathing techniques offer an alternative when nature isn’t accessible. They are like portable grounding tools, available anytime and anywhere. Whether I’m in the midst of a bustling city or confined indoors, a few mindful breaths can transport me back to a place of calm and connection.
Creating Your Grounding Practice
If you’re feeling unmoored and can’t step outside, try incorporating box breathing or the physiological sigh into your routine. Here’s how:
- Box Breathing:
- Inhale through your nose for a count of four.
- Hold for a count of four.
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of four.
- Hold for a count of four.
Repeat for 4-5 cycles.
- Physiological Sigh:
- Inhale deeply through your nose.
- Take a second, shorter inhale to fill the lungs completely.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth.
Repeat 2-3 times as needed.
These practices have taught me that grounding isn’t just a physical act—it’s a state of being. Whether you’re walking, sitting in traffic, or preparing for sleep, breathwork can serve as a reminder that home isn’t a place but a feeling we can create from within.
So the next time you can’t feel the grass beneath your feet, let your breath be the ground you stand on.
This post is part of my personal biohacking journey—if you’d like to explore more of the tools and practices that helped me reset my system from the inside out, check out my Biohacking page for the full collection.
The Indigo Healing Guide
Fifteen years of living with Epstein-Barr, post-viral fatigue, and quantum sensitivity — distilled into the guide I desperately needed and couldn’t find anywhere. Part memoir, part manual. Written for anyone navigating the invisible gaps where medicine ends and embodied wisdom begins. I made it because I needed it. And because you might too.
Join the Vibe!
I’m Tani — writer, educator, and someone who has spent fifteen years learning to read her own body like a map. Based in Amsterdam, I navigate the crossroads of EMF awareness, post-viral healing, and nervous system regulation. Not from theory — from lived experience. This space exists for the ones who feel things deeply, who sense what others miss, and who are done being told it’s all in their head. If that’s you — come find your people. Follow me on Instagram @tanistates, tag me when something here lands, and let’s build something real together. Your story might just be the one someone else needed to hear.