The Art of Biohacking: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Body and Brain

Have you heard the term biohacking but aren’t quite sure what it means? Like most people nowadays, you know the term hack because someone hacked your email or Facebook page. Recently, hackers attacked a major U.S. oil pipeline, beef supplier, and T-Mobile, holding their data for ransom.

“Why on earth would I want to hack my body and brain? I have enough trouble remembering where I left my car keys.”

When we talk about biohacking, we’re trying to alter the chemistry and physiology of our bodies to upgrade our operating systems. Right about now, you’re probably thinking, “The last time I tried to upgrade an operating system, I had to wait in line for two hours at the Apple store to get my phone working again.” Relax. We have your back. None of what we recommend will be painful or cause your body to shut down.

As a matter of fact, you probably already do some version of biohacking without realizing it. Do you wear a FitBit or track your steps on a smartphone? If so, you’re biohacking.

Biohacking is more like using a biological or technological cheat code. These tips and tricks will enhance and energize your body and brain.

Red Light Therapy

We hear a lot about the harmful effects of blue light on our sleep, and blue blockers, glasses that block blue light, are prevalent right now. But, what about red light?

If you’re unfamiliar with these colors of light and don’t recall ever seeing blue or red lights except when getting pulled over, let’s explain the difference. Its wavelength determines the color of light. Light at longer wavelengths between 600 and 900 nanometers (nm) is red light. The shorter, blue light occurs between 450 and 500 nm.

Our bodies absorb each wavelength differently, and thus the effects on our bodies are unique. Red light absorption in the skin reaches a depth of about 8 to 10 millimeters, at which several nervous system and mitochondrial functions activate.

Red light therapy is similar to a tanning bed experience without the harmful sunburn. The benefits of red light therapy are numerous, including wound healing, arthritis relief, collagen production, treating skin conditions, and reducing inflammation.

Several forms of red light therapy are available for in-home use. You may also find red light therapy at gyms, spas, and dermatology practices.

Functional Music

Do you have different playlists depending on the activity? Of course, you do. Maybe you like something with a strong beat for exercise and something a bit more mellow with dinner and a glass of wine. Music has a tremendous impact on your psychology and brain health.

The same way we measure light in wavelengths, brain activity is measured in waves. One of the most effective ways to alter brainwaves is through the consistent use of sound.

Biohacking through functional music uses binaural beats and tones to synchronize our brainwaves. Whether you want to meditate or energize, there are specific tunes for whatever state of mind you desire. Check out brain.fm to develop a personalized functional music playlist.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, is the process of exposing your whole body to frigid temperatures. What happens during cryotherapy is that your body moves blood from your extremities to protect the vital organs. The blood rushes back to your tissues carrying nutrients and minerals as the body returns to normal temperatures. You may feel light-headed and will definitely get a rush of endorphins.

If you have any aches and pains or need to recover from physical exertion, cryotherapy will quickly reduce inflammation and aid in muscle and joint repair. The experience is invigorating, only takes a few minutes, and can be addictive.

You can try taking cold showers or plunging into an ice bath, but the best and most expensive cold therapy is from a cryotherapy chamber.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude seems like the simplest biohack available, yet many find it more difficult than paying $50 for a few minutes in a cryo-chamber. Why is this so? Quite honestly, most of us don’t know how to get out of our own way.

Our outlook on life affects everything we do. The difference between an abundance mindset versus one of scarcity is the difference between happiness and depression. Change your perspective and change your life.

If you want a mindset of abundance, develop a daily gratitude practice. Try journaling or writing a weekly letter of gratitude to someone and actually send it. Be specific in your practice. Don’t write, “I’m thankful for my kids.” Instead, write something like, “I’m grateful that my son shared a round of golf with me today and that we had an opportunity to talk and laugh for a few hours, just the two of us.”

A practice of consistently focusing your mind on the positive aspects of life allows you to see the best in every situation when life throws you the inevitable curveball.

Supplementation

You eat right and exercise, but some parts of your body and brain still require an extra boost. Maybe you find difficulty focusing on tasks, have high blood pressure, or could use a little more lead in the pencil. Whatever your condition, there’s a supplement for you. But choose wisely; not all supplements are created the same.

When it comes to biohacking, use a rifle instead of a shotgun approach. Don’t try everything at once and focus on the specific areas you wish to improve.

 

Take care, even down there.

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