What is Wim Hof’s breathing technique?

LIFE has become a busy routine that never stops but Wim Hof took time to explore more himself and take a break from the chaos.

This is how to reconnect with yourself, with others and with nature with the use of the Wim Hof Method.

The Wim Hof Method consists of three pillars: breathing, cold therapy and commitment

What is the Wim Hof Method?

The Wim Hof Method is a way of reconnecting human beings to nature, themselves and others around them.

It is aimed at helping an individual find his or her inner power through self-exploration and some scientific methods too.

It is based on three powerful pillars: Breathing, Cold therapy and Commitment.

Wim Hof created a breathing technique to help an individual take the heights of the world all in and find the power within.

It specifies how humans breathe every day, all the time, but we are unaware of the potential a simple thing such as breathing has.

Wim Hof’s breathing technique gives more energy to an individual, reduces stress levels and enhances the body’s immune system too.

Cold therapy can be more beneficial than you think.

Being exposed to cold temperatures can help in ways such as fat loss, enhancing the immune system, balancing hormone levels, improving sleep quality, and creating more endorphins.

Endorphins are feel-good chemicals created in the brain which help affect one’s mood.

The last pillar is Commitment.

To fully master the breathing technique and the power to be exposed to such cold temperatures requires will and commitment.

The focus and determination that can be put on mastering such techniques can lead an individual to master their body and mind too.

How does the breathing technique work?

The breathing technique is an easy one that comes in four steps.

It is recommended to perform the technique after just waking up or before a meal when your stomach is still empty.

Do not practise while driving or in the water.

Wim Hof warns that in rare cases, the technique led to the loss of consciousness, so practise while sitting or lying down on a bed to be safe.

To perform the breathing technique:

1. Find a comfortable position

Find a comfortable position such as a meditation position in a way that you can expand your lungs freely.

You can sit or lie down to perform this breathing exercise.

2. Take 30 to 40 deep breaths

Clear your mind of everything and close your eyes to only focus on your breath.

Inhale deeply through the nose or mouth and exhale unforced through the mouth.

Then inhale through your belly, then chest and then let go unforced.

Repeat the exercise from 30 to 40 times using deep breaths.

Do not worry if you experience any light-headedness or tingling sensations in your fingers and feet.

These are completely normal and harmless side effects.

3. Hold

After your last exhale, inhale one more time as deep as you can.

Let the air out and stop breathing.

Hold your breath for as long as you can, but do not force yourself to hold way too much.

When you feel the urge to breathe, let go.

4. Recovery Breath

When you start breathing again, take one huge breath to fill your lungs.

You will feel your chest and belly expanding and when you feel that you have reached the full capacity, hold your breath for 15 seconds and then let go.

You can repeat the full exercise three to four times.

Once finished do not rush to get your day going.

You will find yourself in a very calm state and you should not shock your body with the busy routine you carry.

Who is Wim Hof?

Wim Hof is also known as the Iceman because of his withstanding ability to cold temperatures.

The Dutch was born in Sittard, Limburg and has eight siblings.

He now appears in a new show titled Freeze The Fear.

He co-hosts it with Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack.

The show invites celebrities to take a range of tests that challenge their mental strength, with Wim Hof guiding them through.

He holds 26 world records including having the longest ice bath, which he has broken several times over and over again.