5 ways to biohack yourself through university

Note: I'm not financially linked to any of the mentioned products.

Here's my take on 5 different biohacking tools/methods that has helped me tremendously going through university.

I'm a 23 year old student, who's currently 3/4 into my University degree. Proper diet, supplements and optimal lifestyle choices has been a priority for me since I was 15 years old. At the age of 20, when I started my university degree, my interest for these things increased exponentially. I didn't want to take part in the average student lifestyle meaning horrendous sleep, poor dietary choices, only reading what was required in class, partying like a mad man, a general lack of movement, stressing out over homework, etc. I had already read a ton of books and articles from giants such as Charles Poliquin, Tim Ferris, Dave Asprey, Ido Portal, Ben Greenfield, Paul Chek and many, many more, whom I've followed and still follow, religiously. This gave me an advantage since I knew how to manipulate my mental clarity and rapidly enhance my cognitive function if needed - through a proper and healthy method, not drinking a gallon of poor quality coffee or another bad stimulant. As i've said before, if your only energy source comes externally (coffee, alcohol or other stimulants) and not internally, then you're only treating the symptom, NOT the disease. This is a huge problem for many people, but a subject for another discussion.

I personally don't use these supplements, tools, etc. to get energy and make it through the day. I use some of them in periods to enhance my mental clarity and energy levels. The energy is already there (at a very high rate), but with these tools and supplements, you're literally becoming a superhuman when needed. I generally don't subscribe to big complex solutions over simple issues; once your basics are in place (proper sleep, a mobile body, a healthy gut, a healthy brain, proper diet, etc) then you can increase in complexity. Now, without further ado, let us jump to the juicy part. What can you do to improve your work-rate when you're doing homework? What can you do to improve your focus in class? Which remedies are available for better sleep quality? And finally, what can you do to reduce stress (cortisol) when it's time for exams? I've experimented with a ton of things, but here's a handful of tips that might help you:

1. Exogenous ketones:

Exogenous ketones are basically supplemental ketones. When you consume exogenous ketones such as brain octane oil, MCT-oils, perfect keto, etc. your body starts to use ketones as fuel/energy-source as it would if you were in a state of ketosis. Ketosis means that your body is running on fat as the main fuel and not carbohydrate.

How can you use exogenous ketones? A good way to start, which is also the most popular, is supplementing exogenous ketons with your morning coffee (you've probably hear about the Bulletproof coffee)

Pour a tsp or tbsp of brain octane oil or another MCT-oil into your coffee and let your body use the ketones as fuel. I personally use brain octane oil before every class that I have. It'll sharpen my focus and memory tremendously and therefore, I don't have to write as many notes. You can also use it before reading your homework to enhance mental clarity after a long day with classes.

If you want to read more about exogenous ketones, i'd recommend you listen to Tim Ferris, Dave Asprey or Ben Greenfield. One of the best brands selling exogenous ketones is Bulletproof or Perfect Keto. Note: Exogenous ketones aren't too expensive, so it's a good way to enhance your brain function if you're on a budget.

2. Mushroom Coffee Mix w. Lions Mane & Chaga

If you're looking for a superhuman cognitive boost, this is your go-to. Let's say you have to attend classes, take care of your part-time job, the homework is getting bigger and bigger and the exams has arrived. This can be tricky time for anyone, therefore, the mushroom coffee mix will greatly enhance your focus and mental clarity. You'll be able to do hours upon hours of homework, while attending classes with a razor-sharp focus and still have energy for your part-time job. Be aware though, this thing hits like a truck. I've used it successfully many times, especially before an exam, but you don't want to overdue it. Using it 2-3 times a week is enough for me. It's a tip i picked up from Charles Poliquin and Tim Ferris.

Note: It's not too expensive, so it's a great cognitive booster for someone who's on a budget.

3. Load up on magnesium! I've written about magnesium in previous posts. Magnesium is fantastic when it comes to improving your sleep quality and increasing your energy levels. For more about the benefits, I recommend you read my previous post: https://biologiquelab.wixsite.com/website/single-post/2017/11/06/Do-you-want-to-sleep-like-a-baby-Add-chelated-magnesium-to-your-life

Adding chelated magnesium to your everyday routine will greatly improve your sleep and therefore also increase your energy levels and focus throughout the day. Since I started to incorporate different magnesium protocols with high dosages, my sleep duration and quality has improved tremendously. It's very important that you use chelated magnesium and not magnesium oxide or citrate. These products are bullshit and they'll only do more harm than good.

Magnesium will also reduce fatigue and cortisol, so it's a great way to overcome anxiety and tiredness associated with exams or big projects. For the women, I recommend adding 500mg of chelated magnesium with your last meal of the day and another 1000mg of chelated magnesium before bed. For the men, you should do the same, but add 2000mg before bed instead of 1000mg. As i've said before: more chelated magnesium = better life. The bigger variety in different chelates = the more benefit you'll get. (if you think the dosage is too high, read my other post on this subject)

Note: Chelated magnesium can be expensive, but there's definitely brands out there suited for someone who's on a budget.

4. BLXR Brain fuel

This is a very powerful cognitive enhancer from the brand Beekeeper's naturals. This brand also has a bunch of other fantastic products for enhanced mental clarity. I've often used BLXR on days with many lectures, classes and meetings. From my experience, when I take this product I hardly have to write any notes, since I can remember everything much more efficiently. You can also use it before a presentation, an exam or group work since you'll be able to perform at a much higher level. This product is your go-to if you're experiencing brain fog, lack of motivation, anxiety, tiredness, etc. I recently saw a post by Charles Poliquin on his page Strength Sensei talking about this product and advocating it as a performance enhancer.

Here's a direct link to the product:

https://beekeepersnaturals.com/product/blxr/

5. Cold exposure based on the Wim Hof Method

This tip might seem a bit odd, but i guarantee you, it's one of the most valuable tips you'll ever get. If you have some money at hand, then i'd heavily recommend that you buy Wim Hofs 10-week breathing/cold-exposure course. Exposure to cold weather, cold showers, cold water (like the ocean) or an ice bath has a huge variety of health benefits, but the most important benefit for the stressed student is the calming effect. It is a great way to reduce anxiety, depression, stress, etc. built up from the pressure of exams, homework or economic debt.

Another aspect of cold exposure is the increase of will power. Being able to control your breath and body in a cold environment will build up your will power like nothing else. Suddenly the pressure from exams and homework will be easier to manage and the stress won't consume you like a black hole. I'm a bit extreme when it comes to cold exposure, since i've started to love the sensation of cold temperatures. I live very close to the sea, so i'll practice breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes on a daily basis in the sea no matter what the temperature is.

(The picture above is Wim Hof himself)

Note: Taking a 2-5 minute cold shower will cost you almost nothing and there's a huge amount of benefits to it.

Bonus methods: Clean up your diet, breathing exercises, practice meditation, more physical activity + mobility, fasting, bluelight blocking glasses, sauna therapy and much, much more.

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