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WellBeings: Dominic Bowden talks to Wim Hof on the superpower of breathwork

WellBeings - 2 min read

11 November 2021

Dom chats to the ice and breath OG himself, Wim Hof, who is revolutionising the way that scientists and psychologists are thinking about depression, your nervous system and more. What makes this practice so powerful and who can utilise these methods to optimise their bodies and minds?

He holds 26 world records, he can hold his breath for 6 minutes, and he can stay in water that’s well below freezing for nearly two hours… but he’s not a superhuman?

This week on episode 2 of WellBeings, Dominic Bowden gets a one-on-one with the man, the myth, the legend, Wim Hof, who reveals to him the secrets of his superpowers and his sense of humour. Wim’s way of explaining how you can also possess mind control powers will have you in stitches.

To listen to the full Podcast click here.

As we get to know the “Crazy Dutchman”, we find out just how powerful this practice has been for this man. Little is known about Wim before he became the famed “Ice Man”, and what he tells Dom in this heart-felt interview shows us a man who has had to go through one of the most devasting tragedies a man could possibly face. Left with four young kids to look after, he turned to his breath and the ice and it saved his life. The power of the breath helped him continue to show up as a dad for his kids and it steered him on a path which lead him to finding and fulfilling his life’s ultimate purpose.

As well as becoming one of the world’s most famous extreme athletes, Wim has dedicated his life to helping others reach their full potential through the power of the breath.

With both cutting edge scientific research and a depth of psychological understanding that can only come from experience, Wim speaks on exactly how we can all transform our own lives, our health and get through literally anything.

We all do it 15,000 times a day, for most we do it without thinking, to learn more about how to harness this incredible tool, click here to listen to this weeks episode.

At WellBeings of course, its not about just the learning but the doing, so here is where to start if you want to try the Wim Hof Method (WHM).

What is it?

A controlled breathing exercise developed by Wim, with a brief period of hyperventilation and then a period of breath holding.

What to expect?

As it is a controlled hyperventilating exercise, you might feel a little lightheaded or tingling in the hands, so make sure you practice in a safe place. It’s also normal to feel emotional and afterwards to feel energized and euphoric.

Where and when to do it?

Wim told us its best before breakfast and on an empty stomach. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, never in water or driving.

Finally how to do it?

Well Wim has provided a WHM Breathing technique exercise for beginners, where the man himself talks you through a simple 10 minute way to shift yourself through the breath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ

Of course for the full experience Wim suggests a commitment to both the breath and the cold exposure. While Wim and the more experienced might opt for an ice bath, you should work up to that. The best place to start is a simple cold shower. Start with 15 seconds of cold water at the end of your regular shower. Small steps start here, give it try.

Through conversations with some of the world’s most famous faces in the field, WellBeings explores the ‘science of feeling good’. Through a series of Podcasts and articles, we’ll learn together the simple practices that can help us all thrive, backed 100% by science.

Its about building a community for people to connect and find ways to GROW through this experience, not just GO through it.

Head to www.wearewellbeings.com for the full content series!

Article by: Dominic Bowden

Stepping away from TV I felt rudderless, without a strong purpose. I realised I’d put a lot of my physical and mental health on the side, I was driven and ambitious to get ahead in both NZ and America but it was all external. I decided to put the focus on the internal, do a little “ME-search". Yes change does require effort but it doesn’t have to be hard. Little by little we can ALL acquire the skills to do BIG things, no matter what our age and most importantly make lasting and meaningful change in our lives.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.

This content is brought to you by AIA Vitality

AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing programme that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

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WellBeings: Dominic Bowden talks to Wim Hof on the superpower of breathwork

What is it?

What to expect?

Where and when to do it?

Finally how to do it?

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