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Wim Hof’s nickname ‘Iceman’ is certainly appropriate, as the 63-year-old holds 21 Guinness World Records records for ‘superhuman’ acts in the extreme cold.
Now the Dutch motivational speaker and athlete is determined to take what he learned on his journey to the deep below zero and educate as many people as possible about cold therapy and how it can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression and even illness.
The father of six sat down with FEMAIL to discuss the ‘enormous benefits’ of the Wim Hof method, which begins with a renewed connection with nature.
“We’re always in this state of waning heat, covered in layers of clothing and never exercising the cardiovascular system. so a a cold shower a day keeps the doctor away,’ said Wim.
And despite the fact that he climbed an icy Kilimanjaro in his shorts and stood in a box full of ice cubes for a record 112 minutes, Wim says that he actually ‘hates’ the cold.
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Wim Hof (pictured) has become known worldwide as ‘The Iceman’ after enduring freezing temperatures, climbing Kilimanjaro in shorts and standing in a container full of ice cubes for 112 minutes
Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete shared the ‘found knowledge’ about cold therapy and how it can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression and illness
What are the benefits of cold showers?
To reap the benefits of cold therapy, all you need to do is take a cold shower every day.
Wim said exposure to the cold can help with depression, anxiety, energy levels and even prevent diseases like cancer.
Wim said you can even treat depression with cold therapy, where full immersion leads to a 540 percent increase in adrenaline and 250 percent in dopamine — both of which are known to help moderate symptoms.
“What you’ll see is your heart rate drops during the day, which lowers your stress level. You feel more energetic. The improved blood flow delivers better nutrition to your cells. You notice that you don’t get sick anymore,’ said Wim.
In combination with the Wim Hof method, the body can undergo a full cardiovascular workout to de-stress and improve strength from within.
Start by taking a cold shower for 15 seconds one day, 30 seconds the next, and increase the time by 15 seconds until you reach 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
What is the Wim Hof Method and how does it work?
The Wim Hof Method is a form of meditative therapy and a practical way to become healthier, happier and stronger.
It has three components – deep breathing, cold water exposure and a focused mindset.
Wim said the first step, breathing, is ‘like a broom cleaning the body’s biochemistry’.
“By doing the breathing exercises, you increase blood flow throughout the body and brain, which reduces inflammation,” Wim said.
To unlock the benefits all you need to do is take a cold shower every day – something anyone can do to get the power within themselves
Through his practices and research with scientists, he has developed the Wim Hof method, consisting of three components – deep breathing, cold water exposure and a focused mindset – so that everyone can reap the benefits for free
Breathing ‘activates adrenal access to the brain, reduces inflammation, alkalizes the blood and regulates the body’.
Then the cold “makes you strong from within” as millions of tiny muscles, veins, and capillaries get stronger.
‘The muscles contract, which ensures better blood flow, a slower heart rate and more energy,’ says Wim.
Mindset and focus is also an important part that contributes to unlocking the health benefits of letting go of the personal ego and directing attention to your body instead.
“We all have this power. When you go out into the cold, you don’t think anymore, but you do it’, said Wim.
How does Wim Hof endure the cold?
Surprisingly, the ‘The Iceman’ doesn’t like the cold as much as you might think – in fact, he hates it.
“When people say ‘this guy likes the cold,’ I say, ‘No, I hate it!’ But the therapeutic powers of the cold are enormous, and because they are enormous, I love them so much,” he said.
Wim said it is also important to clear your head and think about ‘absolutely nothing’ before a cold treatment.
“Anything you’re focused on for survival, your body goes into fight or flight mode,” he said.
For his 63rd birthday, he spent 63 minutes in an icy bath.
“Honestly, when I’m in icy water, I have fun. I have full control over my body and I love it,” he said.
“Sometimes I challenge myself, but usually a few minutes a day in the icy water is enough to fully adapt for full cardiovascular exercise.”