Breathing to increase Energy – the Wim Hof Method, this only takes around 11 mins but is invaluable. If for whatever reason you cannot follow the exercise fully at first then that’s ok just do what you can.
The more that you do this the better you become at doing it.
Adapted from the Wim Hof Method in the video below. This may appear a bit dramatic but it isn’t really.
Phase 1
- Take 30 reasonably rapid breaths to bring in as much oxygen as your body will allow
- In and out through the mouth will help maximize the flow
- Do not pause between breathing in and out, so this is 3, 0, 3, 0 breathing
- Breath in expanding the tummy as much as you can and bring in relaxation
- Breath out pulling tummy in and letting go of stress
- On the 30th breath out, stop breathing after the exhale for as long as you can (ideally 30 secs but its ok if you can’t do 1 min just do what you can)
- While holding your breath feel your body, be in the moment
- When you cannot hold your breath anymore then take a big breath in and hold that for 15 sec
- Exhale and let go, start Phase 2
Phase 2
- Take 30 reasonably rapid breaths to bring in as much oxygen as your body will allow. 30 breaths is about 1 min 30 sec
- In and out through the mouth will help maximize the flow
- No pause between breathing in and out
- Breath in expanding the tummy as much as you can and bring in relaxation
- Breath out pulling tummy in and letting go of stress
- You may become aware of a tingling sensation. Tingling or even dizziness is good, it means that cells in your body are receiving a boost of oxygen. Keep going if you can.
- On the 30th breath out, stop breathing after the exhale for as long as you can (ideally 1 min but its ok if you can’t do 1 min just do what you can)
- While holding your breath feel your body, be aware of how you feel,
- When you cannot hold your breath anymore then take a big breath in and hold for 15 sec
- Exhale and start Phase 3
Phase 3
- Take 30 reasonably rapid breaths to bring in as much oxygen as your body will allow which takes around 1 min 30 Secs, as per above
- At the 30th breath out, hold your breath for as long as you can (ideally 1 min 30 secs )
- Take a Big breath in and hold for 15 sec
- Exhale and let your breathing return to normal
After completing the Breathing Exercise
- Gradually move your body starting with fingers and toes, arms legs, your whole body
- Drink some water
- Plan your day so that you can do this exercise 1-2 times each day
Breathing to Increase Energy, here is Wim Hof giving us a guided session