There’s no doubt that the NHS achieves extraordinary things for its patients, but all of this is dependent on ensuring the health and wellbeing of its staff. And this is the reason why Kidderminster certified Wim Hof Method (WHM) Instructor Tony Sewell and Bodenham Arboretum stepped in.
They wanted to show their appreciation to NHS staff with an invitation to a free event set in what is described as ‘Worcestershire’s hidden garden.’
The 4-hour workshop, held on Saturday 11th March, set out to teach participants the 3 pillars of the Wim Hof Method: Breathing Technique, Cold Exposure & Commitment. Tony commented, ‘In the simplest of terms, the Wim Hof Method® is a way to keep your body and mind in its optimal natural state. I appreciate what a stressful environment our NHS staff now have to work in and felt that the Workshop would be of tremendous benefit to them.’
According to the Wim Hof Method website ‘for most of our evolutionary history, a merciless natural environment, sub-zero temperatures, howling winds and hungry wolves kept our muscles and veins supple, and our minds sharp and clear. .Fast forward to today, and phones are exhausting our brains, while the rest of our body wastes away as we sit in toasty rooms strapped to stiffening chairs. As a result, those natural defences are no longer on high alert. We fall ill more easily. We stress out, lose sleep, and wake up without focus or energy.’
Wim Hof is a Dutch extreme athlete who uses ‘cold, hard nature’ as his teacher. His extensive training has enabled him to learn to control his breathing, heartrate, and blood circulation and to withstand extreme temperatures. He got his nickname ‘The Iceman’ by breaking a number of records related to cold exposure including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.
Whilst the 12 NHS employees who attended didn’t have to endure the above, Tony taught them how to utilize oxygen and cold exposure to optimize mind and body, whilst learning about the underlying physiology. The workshop concluded with an (optional) ice bath and, despite the temperate, many did not hesitate in taking up the opportunity!
Tony commented ‘I will feel forever indebted to the NHS, not just for taking good care of my mother when she was ill, but for how they carried on during the Covid pandemic and even now they continue to work under immense pressure. I felt the need to give something back and I hope the group today will find the workshop helpful.’
James Binnian, owner of Bodenham Arboretum added, ‘I share Tony’s appreciation of our NHS workers and it gives me great pleasure to have played a part in facilitating the event. I’m not so sure I would be participating in the ice bath myself but I have the greatest admiration for those that did!’
Tony Sewell will be holding further workshops at Bodenham Arboretum and further afield across the UK and Europe throughout the year.
Further information: –
https://www.wimhofmethod.com/instructors/anthony-sewell
Tony Sewell, Wim Hof Certified Instructor
E-mail: tonysewellwimhofinstructor@gmail.com
Tel: 07903 049741
Bodenham Arboretum – www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk
E-mail: info@bodenham-arboretum.co.uk
Tel: 01562 852444
