Chris Hemsworth took on extreme challenges for the new series "Limitless" in search of longevity.
His tasks included a Navy SEAL style drowning test, firefighting, and crossing a 900-foot high crane.
Chris Hemsworth tries not to drown, throws himself into a raging inferno, and conquers his fear of heights to cross a ledge 900 feet above the ground — all in an effort to reduce his stress.
That's just the first episode of the National Geographic series "Limitless," premiering November 16 on Disney+.
The show follows the actor, known for playing Thor on the big screen, as he takes on real-life superhero challenges to test how extremes of human experience might lead to a longer, healthier life.
Too much stress can be deadly, according to Modupe Akinola, a social psychologist at Columbia Business School who worked with Hemsworth for the show.
The idea is that by facing down extreme situations, Hemsworth will be better able to manage more typical stresses, such as taking care of his kids, juggling a tough work schedule, or worrying about the success of his latest film.
"This isn't about the feat of it, this is about preparing you to be able to manage and be present with the emotions you're feeling right now," Akinola said in the episode. "It's kind of like training your mindset to be okay and embrace the stress so that it doesn't kill us later."
But you don't necessarily have to risk your life to keep your stress under control.
Hemsworth learned three simple strategies, all of which you can do with no special equipment, training, or daredevil stunts required.
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Positive self-talk may reduce anxiety and boost performance
As part of the training, Hemsworth takes on a Special Forces "drown-proofing" drill, performing underwater somersaults and other tasks with his hands and feet bound.
After failing initially, Hemsworth learns to control the panic and complete the drills by shutting out negative thoughts, and reminding himself he is capable of completing the task.
"It's like my stress is no longer holder me back," Hemsworth said in the episode.
The simple act of mental cheerleading can induce a physiological response of improved blood flow and breath control, leading to better athletic performance and mental and physical health, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chris Hemsworth was paired with a veteran firefighter in a drill scenario wearing full equipment to carry weighted dummies as “casualties” from a simulated burning building.National Geographic for Disney+/Craig Parry
'Box breathing' can calm your mind and body in high-pressure situations
Another tool Hemsworth learns, called "box breathing," helps him stave off panic during a strenuous firefighter exercise.
To perform box breathing, inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and pause four seconds, imaging each action as tracing a box shape.
The process induces calm by disrupting the body's natural flight-or-flight response of rapid breathing, which can exacerbate the mental sensation of fear, further ramping up the physical response and creating a vicious cycle that can lead to panic.
Faith Dickey is a pro at traversing extreme heights on a narrow rope, and said her strategy is to "segment" the task into one step at time.National Geographic for Disney+
Breaking up a scary task into smaller segments helps you stay focused
For the episode finale, Hemsworth has to make his way across a crane atop a 900-foot high building, which he tackles a step at a time.
The strategy of segmentation can prevent your mind from being overwhelmed by the totality of a difficult or risky goal by separating it into small tasks, according to professional slackliner Faith Dickey, who has set world records for crossing massive heights and distances on a narrow rope.
"Sometimes all I need is that small bit of positive thinking that I can take one step," she said. "I walk through fear. I don't try to make it go away."
Breathing+ by Breathing Labs has passed peer review in a randomized controlled clinical trial that was recently published in SCI Q2 journal Pediatric Pulmonology. Research done by @bezmialem Full text is available in a link here: https://www.breathinglabs.com/clinical-trials/research-breathing-labs-and-nintendo-clinical-trial-is-published-in-journal-pediatric-pulmonology-sci-q2-impact-factor-3/?fbclid=IwAR2wNhSgurdbrrf3gzOOkHthgiWfXJ1x8RWvnMhkSo6fi33QPZEGzxzd6jM
BREAKING: @breathinglabs and @Nintendo clinical trial is published in journal Pediatric Pulmonology (SCI Q2, Impact Factor > 3), full text: https://breathinglabs.com/Nintendo%20&%20Breathing%20Labs%202022 #telemedicine #telehealth #mhealth
Clinical mouthpieces 10pcs packages are now available at 45€/50USD (shipping cost not included). Learn more: https://www.breathinglabs.com/latest-news/announcement-breathing-mouthpieces-for-clinical-and-professional-use-are-now-available/
BREATHING VR: Lately we are sourcing this VR headset for use in Breathing VR application. It allows easiest installation of both breathing+ headset cable, and USB charging cables, which is essential in professional use: https://www.banggood.com/VR-SHINECON-G5-VR-Glasses-3D-Virtual-Reality-Glasses-VR-Headset-For-iPhone-XS-11Pro-Mi10-p-1679808.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN
Update: Each purchase of Breathing+ will now include three machine washable mouthpieces. Previous buyers will be supplied with those by their country representatives but will have to cover shipping costs. Please be patient while we arrange distribution. https://www.breathinglabs.com/latest-news/announcement-breathing-mouthpieces-for-clinical-and-professional-use-are-now-available/
Update: We moved servers + relocated all our games to our servers, please be patient while google reviews all that (showing unsafe website atm). Use duckduckgo or non-chromium browsers to reach our pages in the meantime. Everything ok + new product addons coming out in a month!
Registration and all functionalities at http://breathinglabs.com (and in our iOS and Android games) are fixed and fully working. If you find any issues -> [email protected]
We are back in stock with Breathing+, currently searching for VR supplier, and setting up mass production for toys and tens stimulation + in November we will be signing up new erasmus traineeships, research projects, bilateral, FP(eu), and asia-pacific ->[email protected]
BREAKING: Nintendo Co. Ltd (Japan) is implementing Breathing Games by @breathinglabs in FDA approved clinical trial for children with bronchiectasis: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038892
Notice to b2b partners: we are running late with some minor upgrade-> briefly running out of stock -> retail and b2b sale is closed until early october. To get a list of partners with stock to sell contact us at [email protected] Thanks, we'll go strong again in winter 💪