We’ve all heard unsolicited advice and tips about how to “feel better.” It could be a well-meaning friend who tells you that you simply must try essential oils because they’ve revolutionized their life. Or you might be hit with a barrage of ads for a new health product that’s allowing everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets.
But you aren’t everyone. You’re you.
What benefits other people’s health may not apply to you… maybe you don’t need to be gluten-free because your digestive health is just fine. Maybe you don’t need help with focusing… but your memory isn’t as good as it used to be. And maybe a fat-burning keto zone doesn’t apply to you because your goals and needs are different from your best friend’s needs.
Biohacking 101: Take Physical Stock
The principal of biohacking is ages old. The word is just a fancy term for knowing your body. Stop and think… what about your body feels great? What feels just okay? And what part always feels lousy or run-down and achy?
A common biohack used to determine food allergies is the elimination diet. If you’re having an allergic reaction to something (but don’t know what), eliminate common allergens, then reintroduce them slowly back into your diet. If you start reacting again, you know the cause was likely the most recent addition.
Elimination diets may also be used to determine if foods are related to other conditions, including headaches or gastrointestinal issues.
More Biohacking Techniques for Physical Health
Other physical biohacking techniques include:
- Sleep Optimization. Are you always tired? Do you wake up at 4 a.m. ready to rock the day… but annoyed that you’re up at 4 a.m.? Does it take way too long to fall asleep once you go to bed? Optimize your sleep by understanding your body. Using a journal, take note of what time you go to bed, your routine, sleep environment, wake up time, and how you feel upon rising. Based on the data, you can make small, incremental changes to optimize your sleep. Remember, 7-9 hours is a general guideline. In order to feel your optimal best, determine your sleep need.
- Get Outside. Most of us know we don’t get enough sunlight. This can affect our physical health in so many ways, not to mention our mental health. Being outdoors is a simple biohack. Turn off the device and make time to increase your outdoor activities. If being outside leads to an overall better sense of well-being, you may need more time in nature than you’ve been getting.
- Fitness. Are you satisfied with your fitness levels? Do you have goals you just can’t seem to reach? Have you plateaued? Do you experience pain when you perform certain exercises or aspects of daily life? Biohack it! Take stock of what hurts and when; note what you’re doing when the pain occurs, as well as what’s changed or not changed since you’ve plateaued. Pay attention to your energy level at the beginning of the workout and if you fatigue earlier than you used to. Experiment with safe ways to increase and boost your energy and endurance.
Take Mental Stock
Just as it’s important to biohack your body, it is equally critical to biohack your mind. Are you happy and content? WHY? Even if things are optimal, take stock of why. This way, if your mood declines, you may have guideposts to get back to feeling good. Do you find aspects of your mental capacity are not as sharp as they once were? Which ones are challenging?
- Boost your brain. If you lose your keys or your car in the parking lot more at age 40 than you did at age 20, it might be time to try techniques or supplements to improve memory. If you find your focus and concentration are erratic, use meditative tools to re-center. Determine what your mental shortcomings are, then take steps to reactive and boost them.
- Find your bliss. Most people find themselves stressed, unhappy, or simply ill at ease at some time or another. Take time to determine what is robbing you of having joy and peace in your life. Make changes accordingly. If you don’t have peace, explore options including faith, community, volunteerism, and meditation. If your job is stressful and changing is not currently an option, try to find calming moments throughout the day. Step away from the job for a five-minute break. Uncover a new passion, hobby, or explore something you’ve always wanted to try. Even if the job can’t change, finding fulfillment and stress relief in other aspects of your life may make the job more bearable.
Optimizing Mind & Body Through Biohacking
Know Thyself. Two little words, yet so powerful. Knowing what you need, not what someone else thinks you need, is the most important step in optimizing your physical and mental well-being. Decide what you need, then take intentional, incremental steps to get there. Making notes and taking stock of what does or doesn’t work as you journey towards optimal health is critical. If you would like additional tips on biohacking your mind and body, contact us via live chat or call 888-549-5519.