Biohacking - self-development through data

Rising interest in health, performance and the prevention of illnesses has also lead to the rise of the pursuit of greater self-knowledge and self-improvement through data. Biohacking – or DIY biology – refers to optimizing health, wellbeing and performance through actions based on science, health technology and the deep knowledge of the human biology.

Biohackers observe, measure and analyze their diet, sleep, activity and recovery. Measuring can be done with smart phone apps, wearable technology such as fitness trackers and the Oura ring, laboratory testing and genetic testing. The data is used as a basis to achieve better health and performance through exercising, nutrition, supplements and stress management techniques such as meditating. Biohacker can for example try to optimize their recovery by timely naps or by taking specific supplements based on the data.

Biohacking combines the latest technology with many familiar techniques that people have been utilizing for centuries for greater wellbeing, such as meditating or consuming certain foods, herbs and spices. Even something as simple as tracking daily footsteps or drinking a berry smoothie in the morning can be considered as biohacking. There’s surely nothing new about measuring your exercising or nutrients. What differentiates biohacking from these “regular” activities is the underlying idea behind the efforts. Biohacking is based on the idea that everyone can take responsibility of their own wellbeing and to control their bodies’ deficiencies with the help of technological solutions.

Biohacker’s Handbook is the ultimate manual of the human body

The most prominent experts of biohacking in Finland – M.D. Olli Sovijärvi, technology expert Teemu Arina and nutritional expert Jaakko Halmetoja – have written and lectured about biohacking for many years around the world. The first book by the trio, Biohacker’s Handbook – upgrade yourself and unleash your inner potential, brings together novel perspectives on technology, biology and self-development. Biohacker’s Handbook has been acclaimed for its practical, applicable and research-based information on optimizing wellbeing and for its visually appealing and easy-to-follow format.

The book covers the five basic building blocks of a balanced and healthy life: sleep, nutrition, exercise, work and mind. The book is based on the idea that long-term wellbeing can be achieved through a holistic approach on health – in another words, the deep understanding of these five areas and how they interact with each other. For example, instead of trying to treat sleeping problems with a single solution such as taking sleeping pills, the problem is addressed holistically with tweaking nutrient intake and exercising habits as well as mastering mental techniques for stress management.

The book empowers you to gain better understanding of the individual factors that affect your performance and what exactly you need to change to reach your full potential. The book will challenge you to put your beliefs to the test and inspire you to exceed the limitations posed by your own body and mind.

The book provides 544 pages of information based on latest research, 1560 references and hundreds of images. It’s the “ultimate manual of the human body” for anyone interested in optimizing their health, wellbeing and performance.

Sources:
How biohackers are trying to upgrade their brains, their bodies — and human nature
Biohacker’s Handbook
Biohackers take their health into their own hands
Biohacking: The Art and Science of Upgrading the Human Being