Surviving (and Thriving!) Through a Week of Living like Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman
So there you have it, a week in the life of Andrew Huberman, as lived by yours truly. It was a wild ride, filled with early mornings, ice-cold showers, and tragically delayed caffeine hits. But all in all, it was a fascinating experiment in pushing my limits and shaking up my routine. Plus, it gave me a newfound respect for neuroscientists (and anyone else who wakes up at 6:30 a.m. willingly).
Okay, let’s dive into the daily routine of neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. Now, please keep in mind that this is a neuroscientist we’re talking about, so things can get a little… well, brainy. But I’ll do my best to keep it light-hearted and funny!
In the morning, he wakes up bright and early at 6:30 a.m. And if that wasn’t enough to make you feel like a slacker, he’s also figured out the exact time he should go to sleep to maximize growth hormone release. For him, it’s about 10:00 p.m., but your mileage may vary depending on when you hit your afternoon energy dip. That’s right, he’s figured out how to use the dreaded afternoon slump to his advantage. Take notes, folks, this is next level stuff.
Once he’s up, he flips on bright artificial lights (or goes outside if the sun is rising) and tries to get some direct sunlight in his eyes, preferably without sunglasses. This isn’t just because he enjoys squinting into the distance like a cowboy in a Western movie. It’s actually to wake up his brain using the power of light. That’s right, he’s literally harnessing the power of the sun to kick-start his day.
He then practices something called non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), which is like a power-up for your brain. It’s not a nap, it’s not meditation, it’s… well, it’s like conscious sleep. How, you ask? Well, if I had to guess, it probably involves a lot of quiet humming and staring at the ceiling. But jokes aside, it’s actually a deep relaxation technique that can help replace lost sleep and improve mood.
During this morning routine, he focuses on different objects at varying distances. This isn’t because he’s easily distracted by shiny things, but rather because this practice helps anchor his focus and allows his brain to shift to different time domains. Think of it as mental agility training for the brain. Pretty cool, huh?.
Now, I know what you’re wondering: when does the caffeine come in? Well, he waits 90 to 120 minutes after waking up before taking his first sip of the divine elixir. Why? Well, apparently drinking coffee too soon after waking can lead to an afternoon crash. So he waits until his body’s natural wake-up hormones have done their job before hitting the coffee pot. See? Even neuroscientists need their morning caffeine fix!.
Before working out, he likes to take a dip in a cold plunge or take a cold shower. Not just because he enjoys turning himself into a human popsicle, but because it helps prepare his body for the workout. The hot shower, of course, comes at the end, because, well, balance!.
As for his evening routine, he likes to do a little bit of work or maybe some reading after dinner. He uses blue light-blocking glasses to prepare his body for sleep and even uses a nasal dilator to help improve his breathing while he sleeps. But more importantly, he likes to take a 10-minute walk after dinner, which helps his digestive system do its thing and helps him fall asleep faster. So, it’s not just a stroll in the park, it’s a sleep strategy!.
There you have it! A day in the life of a neuroscientist. It’s all about the brain, baby! And remember, this routine is specifically tailored to Huberman, but that doesn’t mean you can
In conclusion, Dr. Andrew Huberman’s daily routine is a masterclass in optimizing physical and mental health. From greeting the sun with open eyes (literally) to his caffeine timing strategy and his deliberate practice of non-sleep deep rest, every aspect of his day is tailored towards maximizing productivity, health, and well-being.
His routine is a blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge neuroscience, a testament to the power of integrating diverse knowledge for holistic health. From exposing his eyes to morning sunlight to stimulate wakefulness, to his practice of NSDR for mood and energy restoration, to his cleverly timed caffeine intake, Huberman’s routine aims to work with the body’s natural rhythms and needs.
And while Dr. Huberman’s routine may not be for everyone, it offers plenty of insights and ideas that we can all experiment with. After all, as he demonstrates, personal health and wellness is an ongoing journey of exploration and fine-tuning. So why not try a little morning sunlight sans sunglasses, or push your morning coffee a bit later, or even give NSDR a whirl? You might just find a new practice that elevates your own routine and brings you closer to your best self.
Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect, but to be better than you were yesterday. As the saying goes, “Every day in every way, we’re getting better and better.” That’s Dr. Huberman’s approach in a nutshell, and it’s a philosophy we could all benefit from. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep striving for your best self. Because, as Huberman shows us, every day is a new opportunity for growth.
