Breathwork, nature connection, vaccine attitudes and wellbeing: A convergent mixed methods study in Wim Hof Method practitioners

People who practice the Wim Hof Method (WHM) report significantly higher wellbeing than pre-pandemic and pandemic-era benchmarks. A mixed-methods study of 137 UK-based WHM practitioners and in-depth interviews with 15 of them found that nature connectedness mediated the link between WHM practice and enhanced wellbeing. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes, including cultivation of positive psychological states, improved distress management, and heightened connectedness. The findings suggest WHM may foster both human flourishing and environmentally sustainable behaviors by reconnecting people to nature.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Amidst global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the unfolding climate crisis, there's a pressing need for strategies that improve wellbeing. This study investigates the Wim Hof Method (WHM) as a potential tool for enhancing wellbeing and its influence on related aspects including nature connectedness and health attitudes, including vaccine uptake. We conducted a mixed-methods study involving an online survey with 137 UK-based WHM practitioners and in-depth interviews with 15 of these participants. The focus was on their wellbeing, perceptions of climate change, and decisions regarding vaccine use during the COVID pandemic. The findings revealed significantly higher levels of wellbeing among WHM practitioners compared to pre-pandemic and pandemic-era benchmarks. Notably, nature connectedness significantly mediated the relationship between WHM practice and enhanced wellbeing. Thematic analysis yielded seven main themes: the cultivation of positive psychological states, experience of challenging climate-related emotions, improved distress management, heightened sense of connectedness, perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, moral and social responsibility, and the recognition of opportunities for positive change. These themes underscore WHM's role in not only bolstering human wellbeing during adversity but also highlight opportunities for promoting environmentally sustainable behaviours by reconnecting people to nature. This dual benefit highlights WHM's potential in fostering human flourishing as well as environmental stewardship.