Wim Hof Method - Take 1

Some of you may have heard of Wim Hof, and the Wim Hof Method. If you have not heard of him, then you may want to look him up. As for his method, it is based on 3 principles; Cold Therapy, Breathing and Commitment.

Cold therapy is rising in popularity, being used by professional athletes such as Floyd Mayweather, Shaq, and many other celebrities and bodybuilders. Exposing yourself to cold temperatures can help with a number of different health benefits. It can speed up metabolism, recovery after physical activity, improve quality of sleep, improve focus and and even improves immune response. The cold can raise your energy levels, and shock out any negativity!

Since taking cold showers every morning, I have definitely felt my own energy levels increase. By taking a cold shower in the morning, you fight your first mental battle of the day. By tackling the cold temperature, you are priming your mind to tackle any challenge thrown at you for the day.

However, as nice as cold showers have been, I needed to step it up. Therefore I joined in with a local Wim Hof Group, taking to the cool waters in the woods, and further challenging my mind. I can tell you this now… it was definitely a bit fresh.

Beginning with deep breathing exercises before taking the plunge, I could feel the cool temperature before even entering! Getting ready to take the plunge, I was filled with, what I can only describe as, adrenaline and excitement. Adrenament? Excitaline? Meh.

The first steps in the water- ‘This is cold.’ Knees in the water- ‘Yep, this is cold.’ Waist in the water - ‘hahaha. What am I doing here? I don’t know. May as well go under.’ The plunge of life then followed. And it was glorious. You try to focus on your breathing, calm yourself, and embrace the fresh waters. A ‘pin and needles’ feeling covers your entire body, filling you with a numbing feeling - but not numb enough to take the coldness away. It was invigorating.

Upon exiting the waters, I could every part of my body. Any negative energies were transformed into high ones. Any frowns replaced with smiles. Just a pure state of mindfulness. And the high energies stuck around for as long as the numbing feeling had (which was a while!)

It was a great experience. The next one is booked underneath the Full Moon. Where the temperature, with any luck, will be a bit cooler. Is it crazy wanting the temperature to be colder? Is this what cold water therapy does to you? Looks like I’m going to find out!

Have you any experience with cold showers? Or even experience with any Wim Hof Method? If not, give it a research now, and see for yourself!