Why the sudden interest in combining breath work and cold exposure?
Through simple yet specific breath exercises we can transform how the body makes immunity chemicals in our system. The positive effects last the rest of the day into your sleep time. A rested mind is a happy mind. A happy mind builds a happy body. Very small amounts of gradual cold exposure is shown to create anti-inflammatory benefits that last for days, and the breath exercises create calm faster than years of mindfulness training. When you learn to face your fear of the cold, you learn so much more about yourself!
Three years ago, I shivered in a 30-second cold shower. Two years ago, I did my very first ice plunge, for just over 3 minutes. Watch the video here. Today, the cold is my friend, I visit it daily. Winter has become a lot more fun because the well water in our shower is colder, the pond is filled with ice, and the snow is fun to play in. The benefits are enormous, from mental health and resilience, to immune support, to decreased inflammation (like zilch), glowing skin and a positive mindset.
I have had a lot of people reaching out to ask about cold plunging with me recently. I suggest checking out Wim Hof's free mini-class. It's a great place to start, and if you are interested to get together with a group of people for a workshop with breathwork and ice immersion workshop with a certified instructor, please let me know! (Email julie@juliebaumlisberger.com) As soon as I have enough people, I will set it up!