Breathing, Cold & Mindset Explained
The Wim Hof Method is a natural path to an optimal state of body and mind. It harnesses the full extent of the natural elements that our bodies already work with.
The Wim Hof Method is about reconnecting us to ourselves, to others and to nature. It is a way to tap into the hidden power of breathing and cold exposure: two natural resources that used to be part of our everyday lives throughout most of our evolutionary history, but that have been almost completely lost to the comfort of modern society.
Wim Hof is a Dutch man who spent decades exposing himself to cold, nature, and discomfort. Not to prove anything — but to understand what the human body and mind are truly capable of.
By spending time in extreme cold, Wim discovered something powerful: when we work consciously with our breathing, our mindset, and cold exposure, we can influence how our body reacts to stress.
He is known as “The Iceman” and he has been listed over 20 times in the Guiness World Book of Record, including for:
Over time, he showed that what he was doing wasn’t magic or talent — it was something everyone can learn. Scientists later studied him and found that he could consciously influence his nervous system and immune response. That’s when Wim decided to share this with the world — so people could reconnect with their own strength, health, and inner power
If the Wim Hof Method were a tree:
At its core, mindset means trusting and recognizing your inner power, not letting the mind interfere with what the body can do, and simply doing it. It’s a shift to a “can do” mindset that unlocks our full potential.
“The Wim Hof Method is not only a training, it’s an awakening.
And it just needs a couple of steps.”
Wim Hof
It’s science backed!
Physical benefits:
Mental benefits:
The problem today isn’t stress itself, stress is natural. The real issue is that many of us stay in a stress state for too long, without knowing how to come back to a calm and balanced state. Over time this means cortisol levels stay elevated for too long, which can lead to inflammation, and potentially make us more vulnerable to different health issues.
And this is where the Wim Hof Method comes in. Because the tools of this method allow us to consciously influence our nervous system. We learn how to move from one state to another, and give the body the time it needs to recover after stress.
In fact, we can already do this simply through breathing. A slow and deep breath sends a signal of safety to the body and activates the relaxation response. On the other hand, fast and intense breathing activates the stress response.
With the Wim Hof Method, we learn to stay “calm in the storm” — during the breathing exercises, but also during the cold exposure. And the breathing exercise and the cold itself are great examples of what we call hormesis: a small, controlled stress that actually helps the body become stronger and more resilient over time.
The first time scientists studied Wim, he was sitting in an ice bath while they were taking blood samples. He was extremely calm, yet his adrenaline levels were very high.
This showed something that had never really been demonstrated before: that it is possible to consciously and voluntarily influence the autonomic nervous system. And this is what later led to the famous Radboud University study (read more about the study).
“Set your mind and just do it. In full trust and playfulness. You are the master of your own brain”
Wim Hof
Choose a suitable workshop to learn more about the Wim Hof Method.
It’s a natural method to reconnect with yourself, built on three simple pillars that support each other: breathing, cold exposure, and mindset. Through the breath, the cold, and the mind, we rediscover a strength that already lives inside us but that modern life slowly makes us forget. It teaches you to listen to your body, trust your intuition, and meet stress with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Cold water is just a small part of the entire method.
No. The workshops are designed for beginners as well as experienced practitioners — whether you’re completely new to the method or already experienced with cold water or breathwork. You do not need any previous experience, only curiosity and an open mind 😊
No, the ice bath is always optional. Everyone can participate according to their own ability and needs. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to enter cold water safely and stay in it by controlling your breath.
You explore the three pillars of the method: a guided breathing session, mindset & nervous system regulation, and a guided ice bath experience. You’ll also learn about the science behind the method, how breathing and cold exposure affect the body, and how to safely use these tools in daily life. It usually lasts a full afternoon (4h to 6h depending on the format).
There are two formats: one with the ice bath (summer time) and one with cold dip + sauna experience (winter time).
Knowledge about the cold, breathing, and the science, plus the practical skills to enter cold water and practice at home and unlock all the benefits. Beyond that: a reconnection with yourself and your own body, possibly the release of heavy things you carry (emotional or physical), and the chance to be part of a growing community.
Weekly breathing classes (Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, one hour, practical and open to everyone), a Wim Hof Method weekend — a 3-day, all-inclusive immersion in Estonian nature held twice a year, an advanced workshop for those who have already done a fundamentals workshop, and 1-on-1 sessions for personal attention or those less comfortable in a group setup.
Always practice the breathing exercises sitting or lying down in a safe environment. Never practice while driving, in or near water, or anywhere loss of consciousness could cause harm. Do not practice during pregnancy or when having epilepsy. People with cardiovascular issues or other serious health conditions must always consult a medical doctor before starting. Listen to your body and never force the practice.
Yes. A key part of the workshop is learning how to practice at home and unlock all the benefits, including the basic breathing protocol and how to safely use these tools in daily life.
You can book using the contact form that you find on the page of each workshop. You can also write to me directly: loubrieu.g@gmail.com or using official Wim Hof Method website.
