BREATHWORK IS LIKE A MAGIC PILL
Breathwork is simply the conscious awareness and control of your breath--practicing it comes with numerous health benefits. If a pharmaceutical company came up with a pill that produced the same results, they would have the ultimate blockbuster drug. But here's the news–this ‘drug’ is available to everyone!
Breathing is usually controlled by the brain and operates at a subconscious level. The brain speeds up or slows down the rate of respiration based on the level of carbon dioxide in the blood without a conscious thought from us. It’s part of the autonomic nervous system along with the heart and other physiological processes.
Focusing on your breath and deep breathing practices daily can slow your heart rate and blunt your stress response and its adverse effects. Other benefits of deep breathing include expanded lung capacity, more efficient use of oxygen, improved immune function & digestion, and improved cardiovascular health. Repeated deep breathing has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, which calm you down naturally. It can also reduce inflammation in the body leading to better overall health and happiness.
BREATHWORK COMBATS EVERYDAY STRESSORS
For many of us, the constant stress we’re under throughout the day causes our breathing to speed up and pulse to quicken. Breaths are shallow, and we’re constantly in flight or fight mode leading to an increased level of cortisol and other stress hormones in our body. This puts us at increased risk of many unhealthy outcomes (anxiety, depression, gut & sleep issues, & weight gain). This can create a vicious cycle of poor sleep, poor food choices, increased anxiety, etc. We are also more susceptible to viruses and other pathogens.
BREATHWORK IS EASIER THAN MEDITATING
I took numerous stabs at meditation but could never get the hang of it. I had some mild benefits from my sessions but never could stop my mind from wandering. I know I was doing it wrong, as I just wanted to get it over with. I even got a little frustrated at times which meant it was doing the opposite of what I was hoping for! Luckily, I found that conscious breathing was easy even for my monkey brain.
WIM HOF, THE CRAZY DUTCHMAN
I was lucky to stumble across Wim Hof, a.k.a. the iceman, on a podcast. He is fascinating, extremely intelligent, and not crazy at all. He discussed how his breathing technique lowers stress, increases immunity, and makes you happier overall. I figured there was no downside to giving it a try. I did a short session online and felt the immediate benefits. There was a sense of well-being and a connection with my body–especially during the breath-hold. The best thing is, the format is basic with no learning curve and adapts to anyone’s ability.
IT HELPS YOU STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
Too often in our day-to-day lives, we get caught up in what we have to accomplish, what’s wrong, what could go wrong, etc. The breathing method brings you back to the present moment.
I think back to living in Telluride, Colorado, for 15 years. Telluride has a natural beauty that rivals any place on earth. If you love the mountains, aspens, wildlife, and wide-open spaces, you’ll love Telluride. But when you live there, you get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae of life and forget to look up! You take it for granted because it’s always there. You may think I was foolish to do so, but that doesn’t differ from anyone healthy & breathing taking that health for granted each and every day. Breathwork helps you to stop taking things for granted and live in the present moment. After all, as the great philosopher (Ferris Bueller) once said, Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. 😎
MY DAILY BREATHING PRACTICE
I now practice the Wim Hof method 5-6 times a week-usually achieving 3-minute breath holds on the third round. You can feel your blood oxygenating as you go through the rounds. Your fingers, toes, and lips may start to tingle, which is normal and pretty cool. It’s almost like time stands still during the rounds, and there’s a general sense of well-being when it’s over. There have been times when I couldn’t get my mind right and concentrate. I’ve stepped away to breathe and come back with a more productive mindset and improved mental clarity. My breathing and recovery have improved dramatically during my workouts, allowing me to up my performance. And things that used to bother me before no longer seem to register. I’m the guy now letting you change lanes in front of me.
BREATHWORK IS A NO-BRAINER
Seriously, just give it a try! I used to struggle to find the time to chill–now I look forward to it. I shoot to get it done every morning between 9 and 10 am. If you want to give it a go, check out MY VIDEO with beginner breath-holds of 60, 90, and 120 seconds. If you like it, you can purchase the Wim Hof app for around $40/yr, which includes other things besides the breathing method (free trial for the 1st week?). It’s the best $40 I’ve ever spent.
BEING ABLE TO MENTALLY STEP AWAY FROM LIFE AND TAP INTO BREATHWORK IS A GAMECHANGER. IT’S LIKE HITTING THE RESET BUTTON ON YOUR MENTAL STATE.
Disclaimer–It’s doubtful but possible that you might faint or get lightheaded. When I started, I would lie down with my knees bolstered. Now that I’m used to it, I either do it lying down or in the seated position.