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Today, with the first snow, I was able to sit outside, soaked, at 35°F, without shivering for over half an hour. I project I could sit out an hour without shivering in just swimming shorts. However, as yet, I am unable to increase my body temperature in the hands and feet to be warm to the touch.
In preparation for winter hiking, I did research on Wim Hof, who broke the ice endurance record by standing fully immersed in ice for 1 hour and 44 minutes, and performed a variety of other cold weather feats.
In order to prepare himself for extreme activities, he exposes himself to the cold through ice submersion, sitting in ice lockers, or running in sub-zero weather wearing only shorts and sandals. The idea is to overcome the body’s aversion to the cold, and to be able to raise the body temperature through concentration.
Although I don’t plan on performing any endurance activities in a bathing suit during the middle of winter, I do want to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions or potential accidents. So I’ve been sitting out mostly at night in a t-shirt and shorts, to see how long I can endure the cold.
At first, even at 40°F, sitting induced shivering after 20 minutes. However, after about a week of sitting still in the cold, I was able to totally turn off the shiver response, and remain still and comfortable for 40 minutes in 30°F weather.
So far, all I do is focus on relaxing the body and pushing heat out. Over time, I come to actually enjoy the sensation of cold. I find it very refreshing. Who knows, maybe later this winter, I’ll be able to dry wet towels in subzero conditions…
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