🧠 A nervous system toolkit for digital nomads

Today, we’re featuring Cassius Kiani, the founder of Stateshift—a nervous system regulation app built for remote workers, creatives, and nomads.

In his own words, here’s how the app was born, why “regulation” beats plain mindfulness, and the one-breath reset he swears by on the road.

Q&A with Cassius Kiani, Founder of Stateshift

What inspired you to create Stateshift, and how does it fit into your own lifestyle as a founder and global citizen?

Stateshift emerged from my personal exploration and teaching of nervous-system regulation—realizing how powerful simple somatic tools can be for handling life’s intensity. As a founder frequently traveling through different time zones, routines, and energies, I needed accessible practices to ground myself quickly in moments of overwhelm or uncertainty. Stateshift is my attempt to put that toolkit in everyone’s pocket so we can stay present, resilient, and aligned wherever we land.

Many digital nomads struggle with routines—especially when crossing time zones. How do you personally stay grounded while on the move?

I lean on somatic anchors: short breathing patterns and micro-movement sequences that reset my nervous system. Even a few intentional breaths between flights or right after check-in can shift how centered and energized I feel. The secret is consistency in micro-doses, not rigid routines.

What’s the difference between mindfulness and nervous-system regulation—and why should remote workers care?

Mindfulness is about observing thoughts, sensations, and emotions without judgment. Nervous-system regulation takes it further: you use targeted breathing or somatic drills to actively move from anxiety or fatigue into calm focus. For remote workers, that means you’re not just aware of stress—you have a dial to turn it down on demand.

Have you had a moment while traveling when a practice saved the day?

Recently I was flying from Costa Rica to the U.S. and realized at the gate that I’d left my green card behind. A quick grounding breath cleared the panic, helped me think straight, and remember a friend who could grab it and meet me. Ten deep breaths saved ten days of embassy headaches.

Stateshift isn’t a typical meditation app. Walk us through one favorite practice—and when you’d use it.

The “Peripheral Vision Reset” is a two-minute drill where you soften your gaze and notice what’s at the edges of your sight. It melts stress and sparks creativity. I use it whenever I’m stuck in tunnel vision—say, staring at my laptop in a noisy café.

A nomad is melting down at a noisy airport. They open Stateshift. What’s the first thing you want them to try?

“VOO-HUM.” It vibrates the vagus nerve with a low “voo” and “hum,” signalling safety to the body. Think of it as an instant nervous-system hug in the middle of chaos.

How has building this app changed your view of productivity?

I used to chase output and hustle. Now I define productivity as creating the inner conditions—regulated states—where great work flows naturally. When your nervous system feels safe, creativity and good decisions show up on their own.

If someone only has five minutes between calls, what do you recommend?

The “Physiological Sigh.” Inhale through the nose, top it off with a quick second sip of air, then sigh it out through the mouth. Two rounds reset your body as powerfully as a coffee break without the caffeine crash.

What’s something most people misunderstand about stress and performance?

They think constant stress equals higher output. In reality, chronic stress kills creativity and decision-making. High performers oscillate—deep focus followed by deliberate down-shifts—just like elite athletes pair training with recovery.

Any upcoming features you’re excited about?

We’re rolling out “Journeys,” guided daily shifts targeting anxiety, burnout, even ADHD. The aim is to help people feel more regulated, not more medicated, with practices they can do in minutes.

Ready for your own reset?

Download Stateshift and feel the shift the next time your travel day—or plain old Tuesday—spins out of control.

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Until next time,
The Nomad Cloud Team ⛅️