Have you ever heard of Biohacking? Let's find out what it is and how it can help us live better together.
La personal growth, born in the United States in the early 900s, is an extremely heterogeneous philosophy of life with multiple ramifications.
In this same blog, considered by many to be the reference for personal growth enthusiasts, I have published hundreds of articles over the last 12 years, ranging from time management to forming new habits, from financial growth to meditative techniques.
In this new in-depth content I want to talk to you about one of the newest and most innovative areas of personal improvement, an area that has intrigued me for some years and which I am sure will play an increasingly important role in our life in the near future ...
…the Biohacking.
What is Biohacking
Il biohacking it is an attempt to positively influence our general functioning by studying biochemistry and physiology.
It consists in making changes to the lifestyle in order to achieve long-term results.
Underlying it is the concept that improving one's health in a preventive form is more beneficial than treating disease.
The origins of biohacking
The roots of this movement lie in cybernetics, which its founder Norbert Wiener defined in 1948 as:
"The field of studies on the border between biology, neurophysiology and information management".
The foundation of cybernetics is the "feedback loop”(Feedback loop): the human being receives information about the environment and reacts to these signals by adapting.
The inspiration for this term comes from the Greek kybernetes - helmsman of the ship - and it also contributed to the idea of cyborgs: cybernetic organisms equipped with external components that extend the functions of control and self-regulation.
Body hackers
The hacker is a computer systems expert capable of breaking into secure networks.
Instead, the biohacker aims to use scientific knowledge to understand and optimize biological systems.
Among the common traits we find:
- The desire to experiment independently on oneself.
- The tendency to share one's findings.
- The use of technology (sometimes excessive).
It is difficult to give a univocal definition of the movement of biohacking.
This field is constantly evolving thanks to the progress of science and the commercialization of new biometric wearables that allow the monitoring of parameters that in the past could only be measured in specialized laboratories.
Born as "biology in the garage", in recent years this world has been undergoing a huge transformation and has come out of the basements to attract investments from technological giants.
Per esempio Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, financed the company Neuralink in order to experience the integration between brain and computer thanks to the implantation of microchips and artificial intelligence.
I know, it sounds like the plot of a dystopian novel like Huxley's "The New World" or an episode of the series "B".
The reality is we're damn complex
While there are similarities between biology and computer science, the complexity of biological systems is on another level.
Our evolution, in fact, has been going on for millions of years between continuous mechanisms of adaptation and feedback.
For this reason, biohacking implies the perception of the human being as an integrated network and the need to implement changes to the entire system to achieve a significant change in the long term.
In fact, only time and observation help to identify the different factors at play.
Instead the methodological approach and data collection allow to understand and modify a variable that is being monitored.
The theme is very topical and the diffusion of these concepts is affecting both health care and the world of sport. Furthermore, in the not too distant future, the analysis of biometric data could affect social life and some dynamics of the labor market such as hiring and the recognition of bonuses to employees.
“If you can't measure something, you can't improve it”.
Lord William Thomson Kelvin.
There are no shortcuts to health
Define yourself biohackers it does not require knowing how to modify DNA with CRISPR technology or inject stem cells to live forever.
Nor is it a way to justify the 40 supplement pills taken every day or a microchip implant under the skin.
There is also no need for sophisticated means: we already have very effective tools available which, once transformed into habit, guarantee exponential results.
Do you want some examples?
These activities improve the state of health thanks to the ability to modulate the expression of specific genes:
- Expose yourself to sunlight.
- Meditate.
- Do intermittent fasting.
- Spend time a contact with nature.
Biohacker is anyone on the path of personal change to become the better version of himself.
This goal is pursued with respect for others and seeking a balance between the external and internal environment.
So, are you ready? To begin with, it is essential to understand the four pillars of health:
- Nutrition.
- Physical exercise.
- Stress management.
- Sleep.
I consider them fundamental and I compare them to the legs of a table, because they all have the same importance and require an equal distribution of effort. When optimized, these aspects become superpowers capable of shortening the distance between you and your goals.
Science or pseudoscience?
The term pseudoscience indicates any theory or practice that wants to appear scientific but does not possess the criteria of scientificity.
In this sense the biohacking it is full of contradictions because it is populated by individuals with dubious scientific backgrounds who promise sensational results by recommending untested techniques or products.
In these cases the boundary between reality and fiction can be thin and an effective discernment is possible only by studying in depth and remembering that the human being is not a linear system: what works for others may not necessarily work for us.
I advise you to be wary of alleged biohackers who instead of promoting a lifestyle focus on energy bars, miracle supplements and high coffee consumption.
They've all been there
Well, if not all, at least those who have seen the film "Limitless"(2011).
Who hasn't ever looked for strategies online to reduce the need for sleep or improve concentration with the help of a non-pharmacological remedy?
We hear more and more often about people who have managed to hack their own physiology obtaining remarkable results in the personal and work spheres.
For example, how many of you have ever thought about trying the nootropics?
Many people are drawn to the ability to improve cognitive function with a pill.
Let's see what's true about these molecules:
- Few are really harmless.
- Many are incompatible with ours brain chemistry.
- Some require high dosages to have a significant impact.
- Others cause side effects or have a high potential for abuse (they are addictive).
- Most of the pills taken will only serve to produce expensive urine.
- Often the benefits are comparable to those obtainable with an intensive modification of the lifestyle.
So what can Biohacking give us?
The Biohackers have in common the intention of modifying the biology to obtain better psychophysical performance:
- Increased energy.
- Greater concentration.
- Best tone ofmood.
- Increased skill of manage stress.
There are also biohacking techniques to positively influence everything from recovery after intense training to willpower.
On the other hand, playing with the chemistry of neurotransmitters or making your lifestyle extreme can involve risks.
If it is true that at the base of Biohacking there is individual research, in many cases it is better to rely on an expert.
Why do we do it?
Biohackers are driven by the desire to create, explore and innovate.
However, if we really intend to overcome some physical and mental limitations, it is appropriate to ask ourselves why we want this change.
Biohacking is a term that encompasses various forms of health improvement and only a deep awareness of one's body and one's goals can help to choose the technique that is most compatible with one's nature.
Personally, the reason why I have been studying, experimenting and applying biohacking for years is to maintain a lasting state of well-being on the psychophysical and social level.
This has also become an aspect of my work: proposing practical strategies and acting as a filter for topics that fascinate me and which for me represent the union between personal and professional spheres.
Biohacking is for everyone
Our lifestyle is hectic and exhausting to say the least.
The long-term consequences are not negligible because they involve the onset of physical, mental, emotional and relational disorders.
For this reason, more and more people are looking for solutions to improve their own welfare e manage stress of modern life.
Biohacking is proposed as a tool to optimize this path using science, technology and a deep understanding of human physiology.
The most important thing to start with is understanding what works best for you.
"The best investment you can make is in yourself"
Warren Buffett.
