About 3 1/2 years ago I came across the Wim Hof Method. It was the first time I had been introduced to the world of cold water therapy. I was more interested in the breathing methods initially. However, one day while swimming in the awa (river), my brother and I started talking about cold water therapy and whether or not it provided any wellbeing benefits. We decided to do a 30 day cold shower challenge to see for ourselves whether or not we could notice any positive changes.
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Let's just say, it's been nearly 3 years since we started that challenge and I never stopped taking cold showers.
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Over time I've tried different variations i.e only cold water, warm water first and then ending with a cold shower, varying time lengths. However, I've never missed a day (unless for some unlikely reason I can't shower at all).The main reason I have never stopped is because it is a daily reminder that I am capable of enduring uncomfortable experiences and it's a brilliant way to practice calming yourself in stressful situations.
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As winter approaches this month, I am challenging myself to swim in the moana (sea) or awa for at least ten minutes every day.
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I find great joy in being connected to nature and each time I winter swim, I use the Hā (breath) & Hā Tool to regulate the body and help ease into the experience. By consciously slowing down my breath and focusing on deep, controlled inhales and exhales, I regain control over my breathing and activate the relaxation response. These experiences serve as a constant reminder that pain or discomfort is temporary, and with time, the discomfort subsides, leaving me stronger than before.
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My brother and I were discussing a couple of months ago, how we live in a society that has prioritised ease, comfort, and convenience over the past two centuries. From a Western perspective, the majority of people now have access to fast food, ovens, hot showers, insulated housing, and quick access to almost anything they need.
It is no surprise, then, that we often struggle to handle discomfort in any form. Many of us haven't been taught how to navigate our emotions and face challenges, resulting in high rates of depression and anxiety. A misconception has been formed that life should always be easy, and if it isn't, then there must be something fundamentally wrong with our lives. We often believe that we need to eliminate pain and suffering from our existence. However, the key is not to eradicate discomfort altogether but to expand our capacity to navigate it. Cold water therapy combined with breathing is a great opprtunity to build our capacity to handle stress.
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It can help us shift our perspective from viewing discomfort as an obstacle to perceiving discomfort as an opportunity for growth. So if you're curious, give cold water therapy a try, you may just find it life changing! Arohanui.xx
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Hā Habit Founder | Julia Wikeepa