This Breathing Exercise Melts Stress Away in Minutes

This Breathing Exercise Melts Stress Away in Minutes

Welcome to the Coming Out Happy Podcast! I'm Dani Max, a two-time published author and life coach, joined by Keely, a seasoned somatic therapist. Together, we navigate the delicate balance of life, relationships, and running a company together—FeelSwell Experiences.

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This blog post (transcribed from the podcast) discusses the benefits and doing an experiential Wim Hof breathing activity.

Watch the full video here.

In today's episode, I'm flying solo and excited to share a powerful tool I've been using to manage stress: the Wim Hof breathing technique. Feeling overwhelmed lately, I turned to this practice and found it incredibly effective. Wim Hof, known for his extreme cold exposure feats, has developed a breathing method that has helped me tremendously. This technique involves deep breathing followed by breath retention, leading to a profound sense of relaxation.

I've been experiencing anxiety, often feeling it in my stomach, and sometimes it comes and goes in waves. To cope with these feelings, I've been building a toolbox of strategies, and Wim Hof breathing has become a key tool for me. It's been so effective that I wanted to share it with you today.

If you're not familiar with Wim Hof, he's a remarkable individual known as "The Iceman" for his ability to withstand extreme cold. He has developed a breathing technique that involves rapid, deep breathing followed by a period of breath retention. This practice can help improve focus, increase energy levels, and reduce stress and anxiety.

To begin, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you can relax and focus on your breathing. I recommend watching a guided Wim Hof breathing video, which Dani will link here, to help you get started.

Follow along with the video, breathing in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, filling your lungs with air and then letting it go in a controlled manner.

As you continue this rhythmic breathing, you may start to feel a tingling sensation in your body or lightheadedness, which is normal. These sensations are a sign that the technique is working, so don't be alarmed. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you'll be instructed to exhale completely and hold your breath for a short period. This breath retention phase allows your body to reset and can promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

I've found that incorporating Wim Hof breathing into my daily routine has had a profound impact on my overall well-being. It's helped me manage my stress levels, improve my focus, and feel more grounded and centered throughout the day. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can benefit you.

Remember, managing stress is an ongoing process, and it's essential to have a variety of tools and techniques in your toolbox. Wim Hof breathing is just one of many strategies you can use to help cope with stress and anxiety. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.

I'd love to hear about your experience with Wim Hof breathing or any other stress-relief techniques you've found helpful. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or reach out to me on social media. Together, let's explore new ways to manage stress and live happier, healthier lives.

Thanks for reading!

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Have podcast suggestions or want us to speak in your organization about sustainable wellness? Connect with us at team@comingouthappy.com. Stay tuned for more profound discussions on relationships and self-discovery. Until next time, navigate life authentically and discover joy in the journey.

Cheers,

Dani & Keely

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