Biohacking is said to be a new trend. The term means different things to different people. But in truth, biohacking may have more ancient roots that relate more to survival of the fittest.
After all, the quest to ensure we stick around to survive and thrive is nothing new. Biohacking just takes it to a new, technologically-advanced and deeply personal level.
In this article, learn how people are approaching biohacking. Also learn about new discoveries, including modafinil for cognitive enhancement.
Biohacking: A Term With Many Definitions
In some circles, biohacking is used to refer to unsanctioned and perhaps even criminal tampering with biological materials.
But for our purposes here, biohacking simply means better living. Some call it citizen science or do-it-yourself personal biology.
The concept is simple: you “hack” (or decode) your own biology to understand what makes you tick…or doesn’t. Then you can learn how to improve upon what nature gave you.
Let’s say you have trouble staying productive throughout the day. You start out the morning great but by afternoon you are dragging. Using a supplement like modafinil for productivity or study enhancement would be a way to biohack your normal energy cycle so as to give yourself a boost.
Of course, it’s not limited to that. People can also enhance their sleep quality in order to wake up more refreshed and tackle the day. The list can go on, but you get the picture…
Why Do People Do Biohacking?
You might be wondering why one of the definitions for biohacking mentioned here earlier sounded kind of dangerous or not even legal.
Hacking into your own biology is not without its risks, but it is a deeply personal decision. It is only when people use biohacking in unscrupulous ways that it can cause harm. And here, these people usually aren’t using biohacking on themselves. They are using it on other people trying to profit from it.
So that is the big difference. Biohacking is fun and exciting. Some of the biggest names in technology, science, business and wellness are big fans of biohacking, whether they realize it or not.
How to Practice Biohacking For Yourself
In some places, people actually gather together to experiment with biohacking. These people may or may not be scientists or researchers. Most of the time, they are curious, smart and interested in the potential to make new discoveries.
Also, sometimes people engage in biohacking just for their own personal use. The example we used above is a common reason why people turn to biohacking. When you need to be more alert, focused, productive, energetic and efficient, and other things you’ve tried haven’t worked, biohacking is a natural choice.
It is important to follow these tips to begin biohacking safely:
1. Do your research and learn everything you can.
Because biohacking is self-guided, it is vital to learn as much as you can on your own. You may want to talk with interested friends and share ideas.
2. Start with the lowest recommended dose.
When taking biohacking supplements such as modafinil, always start with the manufacturer’s lowest recommended dose. Then you can safely work your way up as needed.
3. Monitor your personal progress closely.
Keeping a daily log of your progress can really help you determine whether you are getting the results you want.
4. Talk with your doctor first if you are pregnant or trying.
If you are pregnant, nursing, trying to conceive or taking any other medications to manage a health issue, always talk with your doctor first. While biohacking supplements such as Modafinil or Armodafinil are readily available online, you should nevertheless inform your doctor to ensure that you’re staying safe.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
PBS: “What Is Biohacking and Why Should We Care?”
Interesting Engineering: “Biohacking: The Art and Science of Upgrading the Human Being“