- David to Goliath by Nigel Thomas
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- Wk30 (41.3k subs): I did Wim Hof breathing for 14 days
Wk30 (41.3k subs): I did Wim Hof breathing for 14 days
here’s what happened next
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Wk30 (41.3k subs): I did Wim Hof breathing for 14 days
The Comeback - Week 30 (41,700 Subs):
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Listen to this week’s audio version here.
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This week I was a guest on Joe De Sena’s podcast.
The guy was on Joe Rogan so he’s pretty legit! (my episode will get published in a few weeks)
Don’t worry though, I’m not here to brag.
But something amazing did happen on the podcast…
I felt calmer, more aware and more focused than ever before.
Why?
Because I had spent the 15 minutes prior doing the Wim Hof breathing method.
Before you come at me with the whole “this is hippy sh*t or you’re just pedalling a narrative Nigel for someone else’s gain” remember I am also a HUGE sceptic with this kind of stuff.
But after sharing Wim Hof’s story last week (which is absolutely insane btw!) I thought why not try it myself?
That started 2 weeks ago and I’ve been doing it daily since.
For me, it’s having a huge impact so I feel compelled to share my experience.
If you’re an ambitious person who has a lot of stress in your life, you’ve been through some dark sh*t or you just want to stay healthy this one is for you.
It’s all-natural and costs nothing but 15 minutes of your day.
Pretty low risk with a huge potential upside.
Today on David to Goliath:
The Method
The first time you try this it will feel strange and it certainly doesn’t look natural so I’d recommend doing it at home!
Here is an outline of the method:
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/0a765e04-7a53-4895-9ac8-6ca001bbe659/Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of__If_you_get_into_something_that_you_re_passionate_about__and_if_you_really_believe_in_it__you_gotta_get_up_every_day_and_fight.___1_.png?t=1721901310)
If you’re more of a visual learner here’s a link to Wim Hof’s YouTube where he demonstrates the above
And if you find it hard to focus (like me!) here’s a guided breathing session with Wim Hof for 3 rounds (takes 11 minutes).
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Make sure you do it lying down for the first time because it’s perfectly normal to feel dizzy, light-headed or have parts of your body feel a tingling sensation.
The Science
I’m an extremely logical person so if you’re like me you want to know what is actually happening to your body. Here’s a high-level overview:
When you’re exhaling more than necessary like in the above exercise (hyperventilating) you’re expending carbon dioxide at a very high rate.
This raises your blood PH which makes it less acidic and more alkaline.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/56aeba2f-8a87-4803-ae70-ac93ca131a70/2.png?t=1721900821)
This type of stress is called hormesis — “good” stress that causes the body to adapt, strengthen and build resilience.
The sympathetic response (your fight, flight or freeze stress mechanism) is activated. According to Hof, the concentration of red blood cells increases (boosting your blood’s oxygen carrying capacity).
That increases your nerve and muscle operation.
If you’re curious to read more into the science which backs up the benefits of this breathing technique here’s a link.
I’m certainly not a medical expert so take what I say with a huge pinch of salt and do your own research.
Science aside, here are the benefits I’ve had over the last two weeks:
My Experience
There were 3 main benefits:
1- Clarity
Have you ever had a conversation and it feels like the other person isn’t even in the same room as you?
Well, that person used to me.
My head spinning with ideas, worries and planning out how I’m going to solve the next problem in life.
This breathing method brings you into the moment.
Allowing you to focus on the topic at hand.
The result?
Depth in your thinking.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/e96f4d37-7772-48be-9aef-1c4c0c302cd7/4.png?t=1721900858)
If you’re negotiating, networking or having other important conversations like the podcast I spoke about this is incredibly valuable.
And you will certainly separate yourself from the crowd.
2- Less Stressed
Sometimes in business and life, we get so stressed it feels like you’re drowning and need to come up for some fresh air - but the pressure cooker keeps burning.
Maybe you can relate?
Practising this breathing method allows you to put your body into manual mode and override the system.
After 15 minutes when your eyes open it feels like you’ve reset everything, let go of all your stress and can now concentrate on the task at hand.
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3- Increased Energy
As an entrepreneur, the relentless day-to-day grind can often feel monotonous and exhausting.
Have you ever found yourself completely drained by midday, struggling to maintain your energy levels through the dreaded afternoon slump?
With the Wim Hof breathing method, I’ve discovered a powerful way to recharge and sustain my energy levels throughout the day.
This technique oxygenates your blood, invigorating every cell in your body and boosting your overall vitality.
Genuinely, I’ve noticed a surge of energy that keeps me going strong.
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If you’re into fitness, sports, or just trying to keep up with a hectic schedule, this is a game changer.
The endurance boost means you can push through workouts, long meetings, or any demanding tasks easier.
And the best part is each day I practised the benefits compounded.
I plan to keep doing it for as long as it keeps working - maybe adding some cold plunges in too!
As I said please don’t take my word for it just keep an open mind and put aside 15 minutes one day to try it yourself.
It might work for you, it might not.
But as I mentioned it’s probably as close to a natural remedy as you’re gonna get!
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This Weeks Resource
This week I came across a diamond in the rough.
An amazing podcast which is drenched in authenticity, ambition and integrity.
An entrepreneur by the name of Matt Kelly documenting his entire journey building a direct-to-consumer product (Spacegoods) from scratch to a multi-million dollar brand (it’s a coffee alternative if you’re wondering).
He started 2 years ago and they’re now doing $1 Million a month in revenue.
Since the podcast is not his main focus, he’s the opposite of most entrepreneurs making content for the views. He is incredibly authentic and honest (to the point where his competitors copied his strategies!).
Just a Man In The Arena daring to be great, documenting the highs and lows - I’m all for it.
Here’s a link if you want to check it out: Midnight Pod With Matt Kelly
Yours truly,
-Nigel Thomas
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