BE WELL WITH BE WELL TRACKER

Making it easier for people to create positive wellbeing habits

Be Well Co is SAHMRI’s first spin out company, set up to translate wellbeing research into evidence-based solutions for the community.

Be Well Co’s story began seven years ago, in what was then called the Wellbeing and Resilience Centre. In those formative years, the centre ran wellbeing projects across different groups in society, ranging from vulnerable youth to bushfire survivors and older adults in the community.

Along the way they learnt the problem of poor mental health was much bigger than we thought. Society has focused too much on deficits and illness, forgetting the importance of fostering what makes life worth living and improving wellbeing.

After participants do a quick 10-15 minute survey, they get access to an immediate free report on how things are tracking. Importantly, it also gives suggestions on what people can consider doing to improve the way we feel.

To work out how best to improve wellbeing, the team conducted a large research study analysing global literature on the topic. They looked at the impact of different types of psychological interventions on mental wellbeing.

The power of ice baths for mind and body

Millions of people globally are enjoying the physical and mental benefits of regular cold exposure therapy thanks to the popularity of pioneers like Dutchman Wim Hof. We spoke to Kym Burls, a certified Breathwork Coach and Wim Hof Method Instructor in Adelaide.

“Cold exposure therapy is any form of shortduration exposure to the cold – below 15°C, air or water temperature,” says Kym. And one of the best ways to experience cold exposure therapy is through ice baths.

This set the team on a path to develop a measurement tool that could reliably give individuals insight into their wellbeing. The result is the Be Well Tracker, which to date has been used to measure the mental health of 30,000 Australians.

THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF ICE BATHS INCLUDE:

Mental energy boost

• Improved mental health

• More mental resilience

• Improved stress management

• Better sleep

• Increased metabolism

• Lower inflammation

• Strengthened immune system

Decreased pain kymburls.com | @kym_burls

The Wim Hof Method is a particularly interesting approach to cold exposure training.

“It is a natural, science-based approach to help you lead a happier, stronger and healthier life. It consists of '3 pillars' - a unique breathing technique, regular cold exposure and various mindset techniques,” says Kim.

The results from this review have been used to create the Be Well Plan and the app with over 30 psychological tools to give people agency over their mental health and wellbeing. Making it easier for people to create positive wellbeing habits, so they can become better versions of themselves, as individuals, organisations, and the wider community.

You might think ice baths are reserved for footy players after games but anyone able to can challenge themselves and reap the benefits of ice baths.

“Anyone can stand under a stream of cold shower water or submerge into a bath filled with ice, however, it's the underpinning philosophy of the Wim Hof Method - of connection to self and to your body's natural processes - that I believe sets it apart in what is becoming an increasingly crowded space,” says Kim.

The Wim Hof Method stands alone when it comes to practices with such a broad impact on the entire body. “The combination of breathwork and cold exposure powerfully influences every system in the body including your nervous, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine immune, digestive and reproductive systems,” states Kim. While cold exposure has been part of many cultures for hundreds of years – think Northern Europe, arguably it has been Wim Hof who has single-handedly made it as popular and widespread as it is today.

Important health disclaimer:

Cold exposure is not suitable for everyone. Those with any concerns or medical issues should consult a healthcare professional before starting.