YOGA AND BIOHACKING – WHAT IS BIOHACKING?

Biohacking can be described as the practice of making small lifestyle changes working towards better health and wellbeing– it’s about health span as well as life span.

The 3 pillars of Biohacking

The 3 main pillars of Biohacking are diet, exercise and meditation – and I will look at some ancient yoga principles which can be said to align with the more modern concept of Biohacking.

The possibilities, of course, are endless: but they are all rooted in the idea that we can change our bodies and our brains, and that by doing so we can ultimately become smarter, faster and better as human beings.

The healing path of Ayurveda, studied and followed by many yogis – literally the Science of Life – is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. Many of these ancient principles are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

DIET, Yoga and Biohacking

You are what you eat – and what you eat is reflected in your body, health and vitality. In yoga we consider the self to be made up of 5 layers (koshas), with the primary layer being the physical body – and literally the food we eat. Additionally, yoga encourages compassion, both for ourselves and for other living beings.

There is growing interest in the field of using nutrition to modify how we feel, athletic performance and ability to heal (as well as to avoid disease in the first place).

Both from a yogic perspective and in line with much current advice, perhaps a vegan – or at least plant based – diet is worth considering.

EXERCISE, Yoga and Biohacking

We travel in this body for the duration of our life. It makes good sense to look after it. The old adage ‘use it or lose it’ is particularly relevant here. The common belief that loss of muscle tone, decline in posture and strength is merely age-related is worth fighting against. In my opinion we should treat our bodies to a range of exercises – speed, strength and mobility being the areas for consideration. It has been suggested following many studies that yoga should form part of our exercise routine.

MEDITATION, Yoga and Biohacking

Time and time again it is suggested that meditation contributes to wellbeing. There are more types of meditation – or ways to enter the meditative state – than I could possibly list. From mindfulness to Transcendental meditation my conclusion is that you must find what works for you – and make mediation part of your daily routine. Mediation is, of course, very much part of the yogic tradition – it is said that the asanas /postures of yoga are there to prepare the body for sitting comfortably in meditation.

I often consider that the physical flowing sequences, combined with the breathing techniques of Dru Yoga can be considered as meditation in movement. Focusing on the physical and the breath draws in the busy mind and allows us to enter the calm state of inner peace. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centres attention; and sharpens concentration.

Summary of Yoga and Biohacking

Increased life span at the expense of life quality, for me is not a sensible aim. Health span outweighs life span – and a long, healthy life is my aim.

Exploring the concept of Biohacking with diet, exercise and meditation at the core – using the principles of yoga described above is set to be my personal challenge for the new decade.