Daniel Skoblar – Believe. Breathe. Become.
1. You are the only licensed Wim Hof method teacher in Croatia. Can you tell us more details?
The Wim Hof method is a superior practice of physical and mental training known for its strong scientific foundations and effective results. It is based on 3 fundamental principles: breathing, exposure to cold, and mindset.
In other words, it is a simple and easily applicable way to become happier, healthier, and stronger; to connect with yourself, others, and nature.
2. How did you decide to take such a big turn in your career, given that before this you worked in finance on Wall Street?
While living in America, I worked for a company called Fidelity Investments, which is also the largest asset management company in the USA. It sounds like a great opportunity - a dream come true - but inside I was suffering a lot from anxiety, burnout, and the stress of fast-paced life in the big city. In the period before leaving, I received an offer for a promotion, which fortunately I turned down due to the decision to follow my heart and move to Croatia, where I also found my passion - the Wim Hof method.
3. There have been a lot of talks lately about the WH method. What positive effects does it have on our overall health?
4. Briefly describe to us what an ice bath treatment looks like.
Before entering, one should set and organize intentions - why am I here?
After that, it is gently submerged up to the level of the neck. The first 15-20 seconds will definitely be challenging and your brain will be pushing you out. But that's exactly the moment when you must surrender to the power of the cold because after a minute you are adapted and that "unpleasant" cold becomes pleasant. Everything becomes irrelevant except your breath.
I have witnessed the wonderful experiences of participants who come out of the bath filled with serenity, but also with energy. Some even say that they could run through the wall.
5. What is your morning routine, how do you start your day?
My first thought after waking up in the morning is to look at my mobile phone, to check what I "missed". The next thought is «NO.». The third is to think about the things I am grateful for, I make a list. This is where I begin my morning gratitude practice. After that, I usually do Wim Hof's breathing method and start the morning with that. I am lucky that I live in Dalmatia and that the sea is right in front of my nose. Soon after, I go swimming in the cold sea and have breakfast, drink morning coffee, and sometimes matcha 😊
6. Besides ice baths and breathing exercises, do you have some other well-being rituals?
My practice of gratitude is truly one of the biggest influences in changing my mindset. The second in order would be the practice of "Animal Flow", an exercise based on quadruple movement, whose focus is strength, flexibility, mobility, proprioception, and creativity. It keeps me creative and keeps my spine young. There is a saying - "You are as old as your spine."
7. Which interesting book that you have read recently would you recommend?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Simple, short, and inspiring.
The Wim Hof method is a superior practice of physical and mental training known for its strong scientific foundations and effective results. It is based on 3 fundamental principles: breathing, exposure to cold, and mindset.
In other words, it is a simple and easily applicable way to become happier, healthier, and stronger; to connect with yourself, others, and nature.
2. How did you decide to take such a big turn in your career, given that before this you worked in finance on Wall Street?
While living in America, I worked for a company called Fidelity Investments, which is also the largest asset management company in the USA. It sounds like a great opportunity - a dream come true - but inside I was suffering a lot from anxiety, burnout, and the stress of fast-paced life in the big city. In the period before leaving, I received an offer for a promotion, which fortunately I turned down due to the decision to follow my heart and move to Croatia, where I also found my passion - the Wim Hof method.
3. There have been a lot of talks lately about the WH method. What positive effects does it have on our overall health?
- Some of the advantages of practicing the Wim Hof method are:
- Better sleep and peace of mind
- Better endurance, perseverance, and recovery
- Stronger immune system
- Alleviation of symptoms of autoimmune diseases
- Dealing with anxiety and stress
- More self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-belief
- Increased creativity and vitality
- Better concentration and focus
- Greater emotional and mental resilience
- Better tolerance of colds in autumn and winter
- Greater will and determination
- More energy
4. Briefly describe to us what an ice bath treatment looks like.
Before entering, one should set and organize intentions - why am I here?
After that, it is gently submerged up to the level of the neck. The first 15-20 seconds will definitely be challenging and your brain will be pushing you out. But that's exactly the moment when you must surrender to the power of the cold because after a minute you are adapted and that "unpleasant" cold becomes pleasant. Everything becomes irrelevant except your breath.
I have witnessed the wonderful experiences of participants who come out of the bath filled with serenity, but also with energy. Some even say that they could run through the wall.
5. What is your morning routine, how do you start your day?
My first thought after waking up in the morning is to look at my mobile phone, to check what I "missed". The next thought is «NO.». The third is to think about the things I am grateful for, I make a list. This is where I begin my morning gratitude practice. After that, I usually do Wim Hof's breathing method and start the morning with that. I am lucky that I live in Dalmatia and that the sea is right in front of my nose. Soon after, I go swimming in the cold sea and have breakfast, drink morning coffee, and sometimes matcha 😊
6. Besides ice baths and breathing exercises, do you have some other well-being rituals?
My practice of gratitude is truly one of the biggest influences in changing my mindset. The second in order would be the practice of "Animal Flow", an exercise based on quadruple movement, whose focus is strength, flexibility, mobility, proprioception, and creativity. It keeps me creative and keeps my spine young. There is a saying - "You are as old as your spine."
7. Which interesting book that you have read recently would you recommend?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Simple, short, and inspiring.
