What is the Wim Hof Method and How can it Help my Mental Health?
Image via Facebook
By: Alexandra Patience
You may have heard of the Wim Hof method or even seen Wim Hof (aka ‘The Iceman’) himself braving sub-zero temperatures in nothing but a pair of shorts - if you haven’t, let me fill you in.
Wim Hof is a Dutch athlete who has broken several records related to cold exposure, including running a half marathon above the Artic barefoot and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts. This all sounds pretty extreme, right? Well, yes but there is a method to his madness and that method is the Wim Hof Method.
The Wim Hof method does more than teach you how to cope in sub-zero arctic conditions. It empowers you to create a powerful state of awareness that allows you to return your body to a normal and relaxed state despite the stressors you face.
A healthy stress response helps make you alert and primes your body to tackle challenges. In modern-day life (especially pandemic life) our stress response can be triggered by events as simple as a dodgy internet connection and choppy video calls. The Wim Hof method trains your mind and body to ‘toggle off’ your stress response so you can deal with these stressors without your system going into overdrive.
What are the mental health benefits?
· Stress reduction
· Better sleep
· Enhanced creativity
· Strengthened willpower
· Increased energy
· More focus and mental clarity
Use the Wim Hof Method this Ducktober
The Wim Hof method is based on three pillars of breathing, cold exposure therapy and commitment.
Breathing
Wim Hof teaches a very specific breathing exercise as part of this method. This exercise involves deep and rhythmic inhalations and exhalations followed by periods of holding your breath. Wim describes this practice as ‘controlled hyperventilation’ and believes that voluntarily inducing a short stress response will lead to resilience and control when it comes to everyday stresses. This method is backed by research, as many scientific researchers have shown that breathing is a significant factor in regulating and controlling your mind. You can learn the specifics of how to safely and effectively carry out this breathing exercise by clicking here.
Cold Exposure Therapy
Cold exposure therapy is a big part of the Wim Hof method. From the first pillar, the mind is trained to cope with stressors, and cold exposure puts this all to the test. Using the power of your mind and intention, you can connect to your body and create a sense of calm. It may seem intimidating and unbearable at first, but if you can voluntarily expose yourself to cold and uncomfortable conditions, you can teach yourself how to use the power of your mind to handle everyday stressors. This is not the only benefit of exposing your body to chilly conditions, other benefits include the stimulation of feel-good hormones (such as dopamine), reduced muscle inflammation and improved immune response.
Commitment
This is arguably the most important pillar of them all. Conscious breathing and cold exposure therapy take patience and willpower. With commitment, focus and determination, you can use this method to master your mind and body and experience all the benefits that stem from this powerful state of awareness.
There is no better time to put this method to the test than during Ducktober. Take up the Ducktober challenge to experience the benefits of the Wim Hof method firsthand while raising awareness and funds for the 20% of Australians experiencing a mental illness. It’s a win-win if you ask me!
Learn more about the Wim Hof Method.