A happier, healthier and stress-free life as well as more energy and better sleep? We are talking about the Wim Hof-method, which is supposed to help you in achieving exactly these goals. I will be practicing the Wim Hof method daily for a month and integrate it into my everyday life. Join me during this month (especially via Instagram stories) to read about my experience with this method.
What is the Wim Hof-method?
The method consists of breathing exercises and the so-called cold therapy.
Described as “controlled hyperventilation” the aim of the breathing exercises is expose your body to a short time stress with so called “Power Breaths” followed by holding your breath for a short time. This is supposed to have both physical as well as mental effects.
The cold therapy is about exposing your body to the freezing cold for a short time. Whether at the so-called cryotherapy, an icy lake or just at home with a cold shower, this is about increasing your metabolism, improve your regeneration and strengthen your immune system.
To dilligently practice these two cornerstones of the Wim Hof-method requires a lot of dedication and discipline. Because of that you can also improve your willpower and self-control this way. This in turn has a positive effect on your concentration and your ability to handle stress.
Does the method work?
For a long time, the Wim Hof-method was heavily criticized. Over time, however, numerous scientific research has shown that the method works. An investigation in 2007 has shown that Wim Hof and his students have succeeded in training their autonomic nervous system, something that had been considered to be impossible. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for vital functions such as heartbeat, metabolism and respiration.
Also for cold therapy, there are numerous scientific studies, which prove the positive effects in terms of regeneration, strengthening the immune system and increasing the metabolism – so the method seems to work! If you would like to know more about research that has been carried out, you can read more on the official website of the Wim Hof Method: Wim Hof - Science.
My plan
Cold water and myself – not a good combination. Little requires as much of an effort of me as a cold shower or swimming in an icy lake. That’s why the cold therapy will certainly be a big challenge for me, a challenge I’m ready to master.
Every day I will perform the breathing exercises followed by the cold therapy and try to work my way to a duration of 1-2 minutes for the cold shower. Will I already notice changes during this month and continue to practice the method after this month? I am already excited!
If I’ve caught your interest and you want to read more about the Wim Hof method, you can find all the information you need on the official website: The Wim Hof Method.
Any questions about the Wim Hof method? Let me know in the comments!
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