World record: 22 minutes without air
An underwater feat to leave you breathless
In the normal course of breathing for 22 minutes, provided you’re not exerting yourself, you involuntarily take about 450 breaths.
Stig Severinsen took one.
The 39-year-old Danish free diver set a Guinness World Record earlier this year by remaining face-down in a pool for 22 minutes straight, breaking his own record of 20 minutes and 10 seconds in the process.
This was the new record for oxygenated static apnea, wherein a diver first gulps pure oxygen from a tank to feed the body’s cells and flush out carbon dioxide, then remains as still as possible to preserve precious energy. The record for holding without oxygenating is 8:58, held by free diver Tom Sietas.
More on MSN Living: 50 things everyone should know about marriage
For Stig, holding his breath is more than just a sporting challenge. While the rest of us consider oxygen deprivation something of an inconvenience, he sees breath control as a means to boosting the immune system and reducing stress and pain. He even considers it a path to fulfillment, as expressed in his 2010 book Breatheology: The Art of Conscious Breathing.
David Blaine would concur. In a charismatic TED Talk from October 2009, the extreme magician explained the grueling training behind his attempt to break the prior oxygenated static apnea record of 16:32 — on the Oprah show, where all the most wonderful things happen.
More on MSN Living: The top 10 traits women want in a man
Blaine was suspended in a sphere of water in front of the cameras. At eight minutes, less than halfway through, he wasn’t sure he’d make it. At 11 minutes, he had throbbing sensations in his legs and lips, followed by a numb arm that made him fear a heart attack. Blaine says at 16 minutes he wasn’t even sure he was alive anymore. But, hearing the crowd roar as he passed the 16:32 mark, he held out to set the record (at that time) at 17:04.
For both Severinsen and Blaine, breath control has a spiritual component capable of instilling a singularly pure sense of joy. In a surprisingly emotional close to the TED segment, Blaine expresses that as a magician he tries to show things to people that seem impossible.
“It’s practice, it’s training, it’s experimenting, while pushing through the pain to be the best that I can be,” he says.
Severinsen as well says that the practice of breath control can make you thankful for all things you have in your life. Like, say, air.
File photo of free diver Stig Severinsen (Morten Bjoern Larsen/POLFOTO/AP)
Bing: Most outrageous world records
More from MSN Living:
25 things she finds sexiest about you
8 words that give away a liar
The trends men love ... and the ones they hate
inspire: live a better life
-
Handling disrespectful comments about weight
Miss Manners advises on how to respond when one gets unsolicited advice about weight issues.
-
Respecting other people's beliefs
Editor's note: We will now be publishing Miss Manners articles twice weekly, but you will only see one question and answer per article. You can expect to see these articles appear on Tuesdays and Thursdays going forward.
-
5 heartwarming Armed Forces homecomings
President Harry S. Truman was behind efforts to establish the first Armed Forces Day in 1950, and decades later the nation continues to set aside the third Saturday in May to recognize and thank members of the U.S. military for their patriotic service. With these five homecoming images, we salute all service members at home and abroad.
-
8 Ways to Be More Productive Working From Home
There's much to be desired about working from home: the stress-free commute, flexible hours, and improved work-life balance.
-
25 things that will keep you young
Wishing for the fountain of youth? You may not need it. We've rounded up real-women secrets, tried-and-true beauty tips, and the latest research to help you fight aging.
-
10 phrases to avoid at work
Experts weigh in on when to bite your tongue at the office.
-
The crazy things you do to destress
Oh, the places you'll go — to get some "me" time, that is. REDBOOK readers confess all on Facebook.
-
Live happier on the money you have
How much money you make isn't nearly as important as how you use it, according to Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, authors of the new book Happy Money.
-
What if you don't respect your spouse?
Plus, how do you ask people to not bring gifts to a shower?
-
Five resume updates to make now
Looking for a career upgrade? Follow these tips for a foot in the door.
-
7 sun lies we tell ourselves
These tanning and skin cancer myths aren't just wrong — they can do serious harm. Wise up and head into a healthier future. P.S. You'll look a lot younger too.
-
Find happiness in unexpected places
It's possible to rejigger your brain circuitry and feel more joy, even on Monday mornings. Here's how.
