Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Last week I shared some thoughts on the value of routines.
Within that piece, I mentioned the use of Wim Hof breathing — an amazing tool that helps prep my body, tidy up my thoughts, and align my emotions.
I’ve received a number of follow-up emails about this so I wanted to elaborate…
I was first introduced to Wim Hof through Scott Carney’s book, What Doesn’t Kill Us.
This was 5 years ago.
I feel kinda quirky saying this, but it’s become a bit of a practice.
I guess it’s like anything — the benefit comes out through the repeated practice.
In short, Wim Hof breathing involves a series of 30-40 deep inhale/exhale cycles. On the last breath of the series, you do a full exhale and hold your breath — the retention.
When you need to take a breath during the retention, you take a deep inhale and hold it for approximately 15 seconds.
This is one round.
I’ll typically do 3-6 rounds.
Here's why I love it:
You learn to face your fears.
Being without air is scary — it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
Our fears often act as a governor — they hold us back from what we’re capable of.
As I’ve practiced this breathing method, I’ve learned that fear is the first thing that triggers. When I buy into the fear, my body immediately quits — I gasp for air.
But, when I can name the emotion, and recognize that it’s just an emotion, the pain dissipates and I find that my body can do more — I can hold my breath for way longer.
Done as a practice, this knowledge ripples into personal, professional, and athletic endeavors.
Wim Hof breathing is a phenomenal tool to help regulate emotions — and our resulting behaviors.
You get more creative.
I often find myself using this breathing practice when I’m stuck on something — or when I’m not feeling particularly grounded.
There’s something about the rhythmic nature of the breathing, the retention, and the rounds that helps get me in the present moment.
Thoughts get organized.
Emotions get grounded.
And, as a result…
Insights arise.
Problems get solved.
Actions are clear.
Today, I was stuck.
So, I did 3 rounds of Wim Hof breathing: “Ah, that’s what I’ll write about for this week’s blog.”
You get more energized.
One day, we’ll all take our last breath.
One day, we’re gonna die.
Every time I do these breathing exercises, I come back to what is central to us as humans: our breath.
I guess this is simply a practice to remind me that I’m alive and breathing — why not go make the most of it.
I’m pretty damn lucky.
Gratitude does a lot for our life’s vision and goals.
This is my experience and I’m sticking to it.
I’m also sticking with this practice because I’ve found it to be an incredibly useful tool in so many areas of my life.
The only way you’ll find out is if you try it.
And develop a practice around it.
Consistency is key.
Onward.
Want More?
Worth a download: Wim Hof App
Worth a listen: Wim Hof Discussion
Worth a read: What Doesn’t Kill Us