Biohacking yourself
On a recent Saturday, I attended an 8-hour biohacking conference organized by Dave Asprey, the guy who coined the term “biohacking”. My working definition of BIOHACKING is “The act of taking intentional steps to positively influence one’s biology or psychology.” At the conference, all 1700 attendees learned a TON of different ways to better our bodies and how we show up in life.
Biohacks range in price points and time commitment. The good news is that some biohacks are completely free, like choosing a specific breathing technique depending on how you want to feel. And some biohacks take no time at all – you just have to remember to do them, like wearing blue-light blocking glasses when using your devices after sunset.
I walked out of the conference feeling so uplifted and optimistic about how much influence we can have on our body and mind...if we choose to use that power.
If I reflect back, I think I was a biohacker before it was a “thing”. My parents are both physicians trained in eastern and western approaches to health, so starting when I was a child, we would often discuss supplements, food, and other ways to positively impact our mind and body. Even though my dad is no longer part of this world, I think he would be really proud that I’ve recently joined the faculty of Human Potential Institute, a rare coach training organization that includes biohacking as a coaching skill.
If you are interested in this topic, below are some highlights from the biohacking conference, as well as my personal take on the topics. Want to learn more? I invite you to book a 20-minute call with me to do a quick biohacking run down as it would apply to your life.
1. Biohack your STATE OF MIND: I’ve often said, “We still have prehistoric brains living in our modern-day society.” The survival instinct worked really well to keep us physically safe when we were avoiding a predator centuries ago. But this instinct ignores our emotional well-being. So it’s not that helpful in our current world to feel as if you want to flee from a customer or fight with your boss. But you can use different breathing techniques to tame this survival instinct and change your state of mind.
· Exhale > inhale: When you make your exhale longer than your inhale, you send a signal to yourself that you are not under threat. Think about how you take a long exhale when you sit on your couch at the end of long day.
· Alternate nostril breathing: When I learned this from my dad I scoffed at it, but now when I measure my nervous system and heart rate variability using the InnerBalance biofeedback tool, I see how this breathing technique changes my state of mind and body within 1 minute. Here’s a video if you want to try it out.
· Wim Hof Meditation: a slightly more complicated breathing method that can optionally include training in the cold to change your energy and temperature.
2. Biohacking your EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: You can take small steps to influence your health by adjusting your environment.
· JUNK LIGHT: I don’t wear prescription lenses, but you’ll often see me wearing glasses on video calls with clients or students to block the excessive unnatural blue light from all the screens. You can buy glasses now with clear lenses, so no one will even know. If I feel a headache or eye strain in the afternoon, I immediately grab a pair and it’s pretty magical how I instantly feel better. Here are the glasses I use.
· The AIR we breathe: With all of us inside more than ever, it’s important to make sure the air you breathe is good quality. You don’t want fumes, mold, chemicals making their way into your lungs and eventually blood and organs. Get a good air filter for your office and bedroom, the two places you spend the most time. Reach out if you want recommendations.
3. Biohacking your INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: FASTING. Our ancestors often had to go hours if not days without a meal. Have you ever tried intermittent fasting? I personally saw my blood markers improve when I started skipping my typical breakfast, or at least delaying it. If you are interested in learning more about intermittent fasting, schedule time here.
I hope you are inspired to experiment with biohacking as a way to influence your mind and body. And if you are already a biohacker, what are your favorite health hacks? I’d love to learn from you.
November offer: Get a link to take the StandOut strengths assessment + 2-hour debrief on your results and coaching on a topic for $150. Reply to this email if interested.
Take good care,
Bijal
The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.
Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC
Let’s chat! Schedule a brainstorming session with me here