Student Spotlight: Stefan Williams

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Breaking the ice is an ice breaker for activity. You will notice the shock on the body here with the volume of my breathing being very noticeable. I tried to revert early to nasal breathing.

But why bother of you're comfortable in breathing through your mouth? Well here are a few facts to mull over. 

·       Warms, moistens and filters the air 

·       Traps large particles with the nose hairs and small particles via mucous  membranes 

·       Facilitates inhalation of nitric oxide – a vasodilator and bronchodilator that increases oxygen transport throughout the body 

·       Helps prevent colds, flu, allergic reaction, hay fever, irritable coughing

·       Retains some moisture from exhaled air, preventing nasal dryness 

·       Regulates (slows) airflow because of the nose’s intricate structures

·       Facilitates correct action of the diaphragm 

·       Promotes activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms and relaxes the body, slows the breathing and the heart, promotes digestion 

The access to the nervous system for me is one of the most important reasons for this. As I carry on through the process and bid to access the parasympathetic nervous system I go to full nasal breathing. At this point a few things happen.

1) Shoulders drop

2) Panic/shock feeling ebbs away

3) Breathing rate slows further.

4) Despite being in very cold water I start to feel warmth in my hands and feet. This last point is recognition that I have controlled the mind through breathing to take charge of the body. After the physical shock and blood rushing to essential organs, the control tells the body "this is ok, it's fine, you'll be ok..." and the warm blood flows back to my extremities. 

Whilst this may have a limited shelf life in my early days of this practice its proof to me that breathwork can be your biggest ally in times of trouble and stress.

Health warning - do not push your self past limits that are then changing back to a feeling of cold and don't dip alone to start. General rule of thumb, 1 minute per degree of celsius. Do not hold breath under water. If unsure, ask me or others such as Wim Hof who has posted videos explaining what to do. 

Don't force it, it's not a competition and buddy up. Then enjoy the magic of the experience before transposing control into other stressful situations you may encounter in life. 

About Stefen Williams
Stef is a trainee breathwork facilitator with a desire to share this wonderful practice as part of a wellness business, in Wales and across the Globe with the aid of travel and technology. His aim is to help people in their lives whatever stage they may be at, so that they can better for themselves and others. He can be found using breathwork alongside daily life activities and especially calm and control of the mind in times of shock, induced by dipping in cold water each day. Take a look here https://www.instagram.com/lillipodog/ and soon here too https://www.facebook.com/SerenityRecoveryWellness