From Cold Aversion to Cold Showers Advocate: My Journey with the Wim Hof Method

Hello fellow wanderers and well-being enthusiasts, it's another day for a unique tale on the 'Bearwithmeow' blog. Buckle up as we journey through my peculiar adventure with cold showers and the icy grip of the Wim Hof method.

Discovering The Ice Man - Wim Hof & Cold Showers and Cold Therapy

Back in the winter of 2018, I stumbled upon the world of Wim Hof - the famed Ice Man. If I remember right I watched the video in which he got immersed into a tank of cold icy water and managed to retain his body temperature when a ''normal human'' would have gone into hypothermia long ago. I remember seeing it and thinking - Damn, I wish I didn't hate the cold and could do this too!

So, his intriguing story caught my attention and I found myself immersed in the myriad of videos about his intriguing techniques. This was how I first decided to try the concept of cold-therapy and cold showers.

However, my start wasn't the smoothest - a bout of the flu pulled me out of the cold-therapy experiment, and it took me some time to get back into the groove.

The Stumble and Restart

Over the next couple of years, my journey with cold showers was a series of start-stop moments. But in August 2021, I read the book, "The Way of the Iceman: How the Wim Hof Method Creates Radiant Long-term Health—Using the Science and Secrets of Breath Control, Cold-Training and Commitment." This literary deep-dive into the science behind cold showers reignited my interest, and I made a commitment to incorporate this ritual into my lifestyle.

Tracking My Progress with Loop

I'm all about making the best use of technology, so I employed the help of the 'Loop' app to track my daily cold shower habits. This trusty app became my pillar of accountability, helping me keep track of every cold(er) shower I had.

A Bumpy Road to Routine

Much like any new routine, establishing a consistent cold shower habit was challenging. There were periods (quite literally, in fact) where I had to skip a day or two for the sake of comfort and sometimes for the sake of laziness haha.

Then came the Great Shower Gap of November 2021. The reasons remain a mystery, because I truly can't remember what happened to stop me for a few weeks, but this resulted in a firm reset at the beginning of 2022.

My Cold Shower Milestones

In my pursuit of embracing the chill, I've racked up some cool achievements over the years.

It started modestly in 2021, where from August 30th to December 31st, I braved a total of 67 cold showers.

The following year, my commitment deepened, and I immersed myself in an impressive total of 322 icy showers throughout 2022.

Fast forward to 2023, and my journey continues strong - I've already taken 138 cold showers so far. Each cold experience not only fortifies my commitment to this lifestyle but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of the Wim Hof method.

The Cold Shower Epiphany

Six weeks into 2022, I found myself shedding layers and basking in the English chill of 8 degrees Celsius. Walking down Oxford streets in a tank top, I truly grasped the power of cold therapy. The physical benefits were evident as I began feeling warmer and embracing the cold with newfound ease.

I remember taking a selfie of myself carrying my scarf, sweater and jacket, grinning proudly in my tank top, then taking a screenshot of the 8-degree celsius Oxford weather and sending it to my friend Nick - bragging about my achievement.

Strangers, Scarves, and Stories

Walking around 'scantly clad', I often catch the attention of onlookers. Bus drivers, clerks, and pedestrians would frequently pose the quintessential question - "Aren't you cold?" And so, I find myself becoming an accidental ambassador of the Wim Hof method.

It is not uncommon to see me passionately explaining cold therapy, brown fat, and my recommendations for starting this exhilarating journey.

Embracing the Chill, Inspiring Others

My journey has been far from straightforward. There are days when the prospect of a cold shower during my period is less than inviting. And I must say, over those 3 days a month when my body feels like at war with itself, I don't push myself to have a cold shower. Nor do I guilt trip myself when I have a flu - as from what I know, that's not the best moment for cold showers either.

But the regret of not doing it on a good day outweighs the momentary emotional discomfort. When I push through, the benefits - feeling revitalised, de-stressed, and warm from within - make it all worthwhile.

The longer I stay in the cold, the more warm I feel the rest of the day. I know it makes no sense - but it is true and if you dive into learning about this, you'll understand it better.

So, I must say, when I was a teen, there was a TV series called ''Ghost whisperer'' with Jennifer Love Hewit and I honestly remember wishing I lived somewhere warm enough all year round so I can wear the type of cool dresses she does in the series. And thanks to Wim Hof I can report that I get to wear my light, silky dresses at a cool 13 or 14 degrees Celsius in March or April in Oxford!

Spreading the Word about Cold Showers & Wim Hof

When I travel, I notice that in my home country, Bulgaria, my indifference to the cold incites even more surprise. Often, I toy with the idea of handing out brochures explaining my unusual habits to those who ask me the ''Aren't you cold?'' question. But, the curiosity and interest in people's eyes remind me - they want to hear the story, they want to ask me questions - not read about it off a ''cold'' brochure.

A Cold Shower Journey Shared

This fascinating journey from my first hesitant step into a cold shower to where I am now, comfortably chilling at 14 degrees, was a learning experience like no other. I've learned to let go, to embrace the cold, and have discovered an incredible method to take control of my body in a natural and empowering way.

Knowing Your Limits: It's Okay to Take It Slow

While my journey with cold showers has been transformative, I am well aware of my own limits. For instance, I'm not too keen on cold baths. I have immense respect for those who take the plunge into ice-cold tanks and baths - that's a level of resilience that goes beyond my own (at present). Perhaps one day, with further Wim Hof method training, I might reach this icy milestone, but for now, it's not an aspiration I'm actively striving for. And that's perfectly okay.

Remember, everyone's journey is unique and it's important to know and respect your own limits. This isn't a competition, it's a personal journey of growth and understanding. You don't have to plunge headfirst into the coldest of waters - start where you're comfortable and embrace the cold at your own pace.

Joining The Cold Shower Bandwagon

Interested in learning more about my journey with the Wim Hof method? Head over to the 'Wim Hof - Cold Showers' category for all my thoughts, experiences, and tips on the subject.

Remember, like any new journey, it might be a bumpy ride at first. But once you push through, the benefits are well worth the initial discomfort.

Cold Shower Chronicles: Let's Chat!

To all you courageous readers ready to dive into this chilly experience, I welcome your stories, experiences, and questions in the comments below. Let's use this space to exchange ideas, offer tips, and delve deeper into the world of cold showers and the Wim Hof method.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in our case, a single splash!