A Personal Take on Simple Practices That Help Me Stay Balanced

How I Found My Way Into Sound and Breath

I never thought I’d be someone who would try a sound bath. I’m more of a practical, results-driven kind of person, so sitting still while someone plays singing bowls didn’t exactly seem useful. But a few months ago, I was feeling the usual mix of stress and burnout. I’d been working long hours, skipping breaks, and relying on quick distractions—scrolling, snacking, vaping—to manage my energy.

Then a friend invited me to a local wellness event that combined breathwork and sound healing. I didn’t expect much, but I went with an open mind. What I found was surprisingly helpful—not in some abstract way, but in a way I could feel right away.

It wasn’t about escaping or zoning out. It was about calming the noise in my head. I started breathing more consciously. I noticed tension I didn’t even realize I was holding. That’s when I realized this stuff wasn’t just a trend—it had real value.

What Sound Baths and Breathwork Actually Are

I like to keep things simple, so here’s how I understand the two:

Sound baths use vibrations from instruments—like gongs, singing bowls, or chimes—to create a steady environment for deep relaxation. You don’t do anything except lie down and listen.

Breathwork is exactly what it sounds like—using your breath in specific ways to shift your mental and physical state. There are different techniques, but they usually involve patterns of inhaling, holding, and exhaling.

Both practices work on the nervous system. When I’m stressed, my body stays in “go” mode—heart rate up, breathing shallow. These methods help flip that switch, bringing me back into a calmer, more focused space.

For me, they’re not spiritual or mystical. They’re practical tools. I use them like I use stretching or a power nap.

Why They’re Worth Trying—Even Once

After my first session, I didn’t turn into a wellness guru. But I did feel lighter, and I slept better that night than I had in weeks. Since then, I’ve added both breathwork and sound baths into my weekly routine—not every day, but when I feel like I need it.

Some of the benefits I’ve noticed personally:

• Better sleep on nights when my mind won’t shut off
  
  

• Improved focus after 10 minutes of breathwork mid-day
  
  

• Lower anxiety without needing to escape through my phone
  
  

• Less physical tension in my neck and shoulders
  
  

I pair these sessions with quiet time. I might use that time to vape, journal, or just sit outside and chill. It’s a moment to pause and reset—something that used to feel like a luxury but now feels necessary.

Last week, I tried a guided session while enjoying my Mango Lemonade vape juice, and the combination of calming breath and flavor made for one of the most relaxed evenings I’ve had in a while. It reminded me how important it is to build rituals that actually support how I want to feel.

How I Fit It Into a Busy Week

I don’t always have an hour to spare, so I’ve learned how to keep things short and simple. You don’t need a class or fancy equipment.

Here’s how I’ve built it into my routine:

• 5 minutes of breathwork in the morning to start the day clear
  
  

• A short sound bath video before bed when I’ve had a busy day
  
  

• Combining breathwork with other habits like journaling or vaping
  
  

• Using an app to follow along with guided breathing
  
  

The goal isn’t perfection. Sometimes I skip a day. But I’ve noticed that the more consistently I show up, the better I feel over time. It’s like charging a battery that keeps me going through the week.

I also like how portable these practices are. I’ve done breathwork in my car before a meeting and sound baths through headphones on a lunch break. They don’t require a huge time commitment—just a bit of space and intention.

Making Wellness Work in My Life

Wellness looks different for everyone. For me, it’s not about doing everything right—it’s about having a few tools that work for me when I need them.

Sound baths and breathwork aren’t the only things I rely on. I still take walks, stay hydrated, and carve out time to rest when I can. But these practices have added something new—a way to slow down without zoning out, and to feel good without needing a screen or a long to-do list.

They’re not just “nice to try” anymore. They’ve become part of what helps me show up better in every area of life—work, relationships, even small routines.

And when I’m feeling grounded, I enjoy the little things more. Even just sitting with my favorite Lemonade vape juice and some quiet music feels better when my head’s clear. That’s what this is really about—not chasing some ideal version of health, but finding calm in real, accessible ways.

I never expected to be someone who talks about breathwork or sound therapy. But now that I’ve felt the difference it makes, I can’t imagine not having these tools in my life.

They’re easy to try, cost almost nothing, and take just a few minutes. If you’re curious, start small. Five minutes of focused breathing or a short sound bath track is all it takes to feel a shift. You don’t need to “get it right.” Just pay attention to how you feel afterward.

That’s what I did—and it’s why I keep coming back.