Wim Hof Breathing Saved Me on a Mountain, Try it yourself

Have you been in a situation where you are in trouble and fear is creeping in? I have. What started as an exhilarating day of backcountry skiing at Revelstoke Mountain turned into a nightmarish waiting game in the cold and pain after breaking my leg.
However, performing the Wim Hof breathing method while being rescued helped me stay calm for up to 4 hours under difficult circumstances. From this experience, I would like to share the breathing method and my custom app to enhance your breathing skills that can do so much for you.

Who is Wim Hof?

Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman,“ holds multiple world records for his ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. His teachings about breath-work and the benefits of cold plunges have attracted millions of followers throughout the world.

The Wim Hof Breathing Method: More Than Just Taking Breaths

The Wim Hof Breathing Method is deceptively simple, yet profoundly effective. It is a form of controlled hyperventilation that saturates your blood with oxygen while reducing carbon dioxide levels. This creates a temporary alkaline environment in the body, which triggers numerous physiological responses, including:

Increased energy levels
Reduced stress and anxiety
Enhanced immune function
Improved cold tolerance
Better sleep quality
Heightened mental clarity

How to Practice the Wim Hof Breathing Method

Ready to try it for yourself? Here is how to get started:

Get comfortable - Lie down or sit comfortably and make sure your belly can expand freely.
Take in a deep inhalation - Inhale deeply while pushing your belly outward.
Let out a relaxed exhalation - Release through the mouth without force.
Repeat the deep breaths - Take 20-40 breaths depending on your skill level.
Retention phase - After your last exhale, hold your breath for as long as you can comfortably manage.
Recovery phase - When your body signals the need for air, inhale fully and hold for 15 seconds before releasing. This completes one round.
Repeat 3-5 sets of the entire process.

Important Safety Precautions

Watch the safety video before attempting the practice.
Hyperventilation is not safe for everyone—those with a history of fainting, seizures, cardiovascular issues, or psychiatric diagnoses should consult healthcare providers first.
Practice in a safe environment.
Remember, this method is about finding comfort in discomfort, not pushing through pain. Listen to your body, not your ego.

Introducing My Custom Wim Hof Timer

After my experience, I became passionate about making this practice accessible to everyone. That is why I created a customizable Wim Hof breathing timer web app.

Unlike generic meditation apps, this timer is specifically designed for the Wim Hof Method, allowing you to:

Customize breath counts based on your experience level
Set personalized breath hold targets
Use visual and audio cues aligned with the official method
Access it from any device with no downloads required

Open the timer

Take the Plunge

Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance performance, someone dealing with stress, or simply curious about exploring human potential, the Wim Hof Method offers a scientific approach to improving your physical and mental wellbeing.

My journey with this practice began as a casual interest, became a life-saving tool, and has evolved into a routine practice that enhances everything from sleep to mental and physical performance.