Embracing The Benefits of Cold Water Exposure with Wendy Heine

Take A Breath

March 3, 2026 ∙ 51 mins
Episode 17

About

In this episode of Take a Breath, I’m joined by Wendy Heine — certified Wim Hof instructor, breathwork coach and yoga teacher.

Wendy shares her journey from avoiding the cold completely to embracing it as a powerful tool for healing, particularly following her cancer diagnosis in 2021.

We explore both the science and the nervous system side of cold exposure — what’s actually happening in the body, why it can lift mood and energy so quickly, and how breathwork completely changes your experience of stepping into discomfort.

This isn’t about bravado. It’s not about forcing yourself into freezing water. It’s about intention, regulation, and building resilience in a calm, grounded way.

Inside this conversation, we explore:

  • Why cold water can lift mood, sharpen focus and boost energy
  • How long is long enough to trigger the key physiological benefits
  • What “cold enough” really means (and why it doesn’t need to be extreme)
  • How to use your breath to stay calm and in control
  • Why cold exposure is a form of positive stress that can strengthen both body and mind when approached safely

If you’ve been curious about cold showers or sea dips but feel hesitant, this episode will help you understand how to approach it in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.

It’s about learning to stay steady — even when things feel uncomfortable — and taking that steadiness back into everyday life.

To connect with Wendy, go to: https://www.instagram.com/longevitylifestylecoach/

Download 15 Breaths to Calm Anxiety - a FREE 5 minute audio to calm you down in real time.

Download The Breath Check-Up - your FREE guide to understanding how well you're breathing right now.

Download my energising 5 Minute Morning Practice to get your day started in the best way possible.

To find out more about my membership The Inner Space go to: https://www.pollywarren.com/theinnerspace

Email me at: info@pollywarren.com
https://www.pollywarren.com/
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Information

Podcast

Take A Breath

Episode

17

Date

March 3, 2026

Length

51 mins
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Take A Breath

A podcast for creating practical calm in the messy middle of midlife. This is your space to pause.  Because life in midlife is full-on. Between work, family, menopause, and the mental load, your nervous system can easily end up in constant overdrive — leaving you feeling exhausted, reactive, and overwhelmed by even the smallest things.  […]

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