Try The Wim Hof Method
Google cold water therapy and you’re likely to come across Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete who swears by the healing properties of icy water. He has a near-superhuman ability to withstand freezing temperatures and has formulated his own method, which involves taking a cold shower every morning. Wim Hof, aka the Ice Man, has shown what the human body is capable of, and believes we can train our bodies and minds to cope more effectively with stress stimuli such as extreme cold. In turn, this can strengthen your cardiovascular and immune systems. His breathwork involves controlled hyperventilation (a type of stress response with rhythmic inhalation, exhalation and breath holding) and cold therapy, which can be a cold shower or – if you’re trained in his method – a full body immersion in an ice bath or open waters. Experts agree mental resilience is a large part of the Wim Hof method and that, like anything in physical and mental fitness, it’s the regularity and commitment to push through challenging moments that reaps the rewards. The Wim Hof Method app is a great way to get started or you can find his breathing method video for beginners on YouTube channel here:
What is the Wim Hof Method? | Practice The Method
Or you can start your day with Cold Shower challenge Wim Hof style.
References:
Cold Water Therapy: Benefits of Cold Showers, Baths, Immersion Therapy (healthline.com)
Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression – ScienceDirect
The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial (nih.gov)
Cold Water Swimming—Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review (nih.gov)
Cold water swimming: Why it’s good for your mental and physical health – BBC Science Focus Magazine
What is the Wim Hof Method? | Practice The Method
About the Author: Inga Jungaitiene
