Let’s be real here – raising kids is not for the faint of heart. There are schedules and routines and things are CONSTANTLY changing. On top of that, we have to manage our home, meal plan, keep up with our relationships, do things for ourselves, etc. Trying to balance it all can be exhausting. Another obstacle for me? Postpartum hormonal changes. Did you know that studies suggest 70-80% of new mothers will experience the baby blues, 1 in 7 will be diagnosed with postpartum depression, and 10% of new fathers also experience depression?

I have been on a journey with my anxiety since childhood and as an adult, I have had years of practice and opportunities to fill my toolbox before becoming a mother. Now as a new mom I am hyper aware of when my old friend anxiety comes creeping back in. Knowing I am not alone also helps. 

Today I want to share a tool that has been so major in my postpartum support and self-care routine: the Wim Hof Method Breathing technique.

WHAT IT IS

The Wim Hof Method breathing technique is a series of deep, rhythmic breaths followed by breath retention. The exercise acts as a short stress response which is proven to lead to more resilience in your body the more your practice. See Wim Hofs website for more info!

Wim hof method uses controlled hyperventilation followed by breath retention, so I did not feel safe doing this during pregnancy or even until after the fourth trimester. 

*This does not act as medical advice. Always consult your doctors and care team.

THE BENEFITS 

???? reduced stress

???? faster recovery from physical exertion

???? better sleep

???? enhances creativity

???? mental clarity

???? emotional release

???? energetic shift

HOW TO DO IT

(I always watch this video)

???? Sit or lie down comfortably

???? Take a deep breath + exhale out all of your air

???? Take 30 rounds of big inhales + deep exhales. Think of your breath going in a circle with no pause on the top or bottom of your inhale/exhale.

????Take a deep inhale and hold for 15 seconds

???? Let it out and relax

???? Repeat 3 rounds

For me, the biggest positive is that this technique clears my energy and releases a lot of old, stale, and trapped emotions within my body. It allows me to work and feel through things. 

I find breathwork to be SO powerful. Do you use breathwork to release energy?

Xx 

Kaitlin

Disclaimer: This blog is not medical advice. Always consult your doctors and care team.