The Cold Stops Here: Week 5 (or 10) of the Wim Hof Method
Two months ago I began the 10 week Wim Hof method, a mindfulness program that incorporates deep breathing, meditation and gradual exposure to the cold. And every day for the past 10 weeks (save two), I've done my deep breathing and breath holds, stretched, done pushups, planks and back...
Stuck in a Holding Pattern: Week 4 (repeated) of the Wim Hof Method
Week five of the Wim Hof method called for a 10 minute cold shower every day. I thought it would be a piece of cake since I'd been doing so well with them, but I was wrong. I caved in under 30 seconds. Three days in a row. Clearly, I...
Can We Consciously Control Our Immune Systems? The Wim Hof Method Week 4
A few days ago, I woke up with the sniffles and a sore throat - a sure sign of impending illness, or worse, a sinus infection. This annoyed me because one of the biggest benefits of the Wim Hof method is supposed to be a strengthened immune system, and here...
A Streak is born, a habit is not: Wim Hof Method Week 3
I'm on a streak everyone! I didn't think I'd make it this far without skipping a day, but here I am 21 days in and still going strong. I must admit though, that I don't feel like I'm developing a solid morning routine. Having little kids who wake up...
Don’t Be Afraid of the Cold: Wim Hof Method Week 2
There's no way, I think to myself as I stare at the running water. I'm supposed to get into a cold shower and I can't. I adjust the knob. The ice cold water is now moderately cold. I step in but stand far enough back that the water hits only my feet and shins. Goosebumps. I stand...
Deep Breathing and Cold Showers: The Wim Hof Method (Week 1)
This year, I've had a hard time following through on my monthly challenges and my once great habits are now not so stellar. In desperate need of a reboot, I went and bought a 10 week "mindfulness" program, and I just completed week one. The program is called the Wim Hof method and...
Always be improving (even when you feel like a failure)
For the first time in my 2+ years of monthly challenges, I quit. I threw in the towel. I gave up. Running was a disaster. I thought I'd be able to handle the short distances and that if I pushed through those first few days, I'd fall in love with...