Revitalize Your Life: The Simple Habit to Feel Alive Again
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Understanding Life's Pressures
Have you ever felt as though life was suffocating you? I found myself grappling with this sensation when I embraced fatherhood for the first time. My daily routines underwent a dramatic shift. I often felt drained, struggled with sleep, and found it challenging to engage in creative endeavors.
The most significant stressor, however, was the unrealistic expectations I had set for myself as a new parent. Instead of adjusting to my new circumstances, I resisted them, trying to maintain the same level of productivity in my projects and creative work as I had prior to becoming a dad. This stubbornness took a toll on my health.
My poor sleeping habits, unhealthy snacking, and neglect of physical fitness turned my hectic days into overwhelming experiences. While a bit of busyness is manageable, excessive stress can lead to a breaking point. Eventually, I faced depression, which can creep up when you least expect it. Isolated from family and friends in a new town following my daughter's birth, I felt increasingly disconnected.
Adding to the turmoil, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and the cause remains a mystery. My life felt paused, yet I discovered a simple habit that helped me feel revitalized amid the chaos.
The Power of Deep, Conscious Breathing
This habit is so straightforward that many, myself included, often overlook it. The practice is deep, conscious breathing. On average, we breathe around 20,000 times daily without awareness, thanks to our autonomic nervous system. But how much of that breathing is done with intention? The way we breathe significantly influences our overall health and well-being.
I must admit that I wasn't always attentive to my body's needs. It was only after my diagnosis that I felt compelled to make changes. In my quest for improvement, I encountered Wim Hof, a man renowned for his extraordinary feats, such as swimming in icy waters and climbing mountains in shorts. His remarkable abilities ignited my curiosity, particularly as they seemed relevant to my anxiety-inducing condition.
Wim's breathing techniques involve slow, deep inhalations and exhalations, typically 30 to 40 times. On the final exhale, you hold your breath—a phase known as retention. When you feel the urge to inhale again, take a deep breath and hold it for an additional 10 to 15 seconds. This constitutes one cycle, which you repeat 3–4 times, preferably on an empty stomach.
The Initial Experience
When I first attempted this practice, it felt as if I had never breathed correctly in my life. It was a revelation, highlighting how much I had undervalued the act of breathing. Initially, I could only hold my breath for less than a minute, but I understood that improvement would take time. With each session, I gradually noticed the benefits. Those familiar with deep breathing can attest to the invigorating rush that fills your lungs and energizes your body, restoring a sense of control.
Tracking Progress
Since the beginning of 2023, I've incorporated this practice into my morning routine. Admittedly, there have been days when I fell behind, and I felt the repercussions. Here are some screenshots from my WHM app showcasing my progress.
In three months, I completed only 10 breathing sessions. It wasn't until December 2023 that I truly committed to the exercises. As the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way."
Final Reflections
My only regret is not embracing deep breathing earlier in my journey. This practice has significantly reduced my stress and anxiety, sharpened my focus, improved my sleep, and enhanced my creativity.
As Wim Hof states, "Deep breathing alters the body’s chemistry by delivering oxygen to the tissues." If you ever feel drained, mentally foggy, or wish to reclaim your sense of control, take a deep breath, release your tension, and experience the transformative power it can bring to your life.