Sabbath Ramblings: Energy

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I pay close attention to my body, especially when it comes to my overall qualitatively assessed energy levels, sleep satisfaction, sexual energy and libido, workout performance, and also quantified variables such as heart rate variability (HRV), sleep cycles, body temperature, blood glucose, etc…

…and lately, both my qualitative and quantitative variables for energy have been through the friggin' roof.

Now, don't get me wrong: I'm a very healthy guy overall and haveusing both natural living tools and all manner of biohacking weaponrylived a very healthy, energy-supporting lifestyle for many years. Heck, I wrote an entire book about how to harness so-called “Boundless” energy, and summarize many of the principles within that book in this short, easy-to-read article.

But recently, my overall energyin every aspect of life, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-beinghas been noticeably higher than usual. So this week, I finally sat down and decided to make a list of the recent changes I've implemented in my lifestyle and daily routine that seem to be making the biggest difference in taking me from what I would rank as a 90% energy, productivity, creativity, and connectivity level to something closer to 100+%.

I'm going to give you the quick and dirty rundown of those key changes, habits, and practices now, many of which are either new for me or something I've focused more intensively on regularly habituating into my life. 


The 8 Key Variables I've Introduced For More Energy

1. Earthing & Grounding

You can listen to my fascinating podcast with Clint Ober here to learn about the host of scientific research that has explored grounding to show benefits for inflammation, cardiovascular disease, muscle damage, chronic pain, mood, and much more. While I have, for many years, prioritized activities such as being outside barefoot, laying down on my back in the backyard after a long day of work, and even using PEMF mats and grounding/earthing mats to harness the earth's electrical field inside my home, I've been doing even more earthing and grounding of late. Specifically, I decided to attach Erthe straps to all of my favorite walking shoes and, since I walk about 60 minutes up to 2 hours every day while making phone calls, listening to audiobooks, etc., I technically have an extra 1-2 hours each day during which I'm connected to the earth. So that's the first change I made, which is obviously a simple one, but seems to make a very big difference. I actually feel more energy while I'm walking.

2. Light

Similar to the importance I've placed for many years on earthing and grounding, I've been a fan for quite some time of harnessing photons of light for improving mitochondrial health, circadian rhythm alignment, vitamin D production, and the host of other effects of “photobiomodulation.” But now that spring is rolling around, I've been spending a lot more time in the sunlight and I've also stepped up my use of an infrared sauna from 3-4x per week to 4-5x per week, typically for about 20-45 minutes per session. I've also finished the project of replacing every bulb in our house with incandescent lighting (and for the bedrooms, red incandescent lighting). Finally, I've been prioritizing a massive “dump” of blue light on my body in the morning while working in my office by simultaneously using the Human Charger for my ears, the Re-Timer for my eyes, and a nifty little blue light producing device on my desktop. All of these light-altering habits seem to have “stacked” quite well to significantly reduce my sleep latency and improve my daytime energy levels.

3. Hormone Stack

I've recently been studying up a bit on the work of anti-aging and health guru Ray Peat, and have been particularly intrigued with the 3 youth-associated hormones he so often champions: progesterone, pregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (for more, see his article Progesterone, Pregnenolone & DHEA – Three Youth-Associated Hormones). After reading much of Ray's work, and digging into his research, I decided to try stacking these three hormones myself, specifically by using a stack of Gonadin, Pansterone, and Cortinon from the website of Georgi Dinkov, one of Ray's understudies.

Progesterone is a basic hormone of adaptation and of resistance to stress. Your adrenal glands use it to produce their anti-stress hormones, and when there is enough progesterone, they don't have to produce as much cortisone, which is important because excessive cortisone can result in osteoporosis, aging of the skin, damage to brain cells, and the accumulation of fat, especially on the back and abdomen. Research has shown that progesterone can relieve anxiety, improve memory, improve cardiovascular efficiency, promote respiration, protect brain cells, and help a variety of immunological problems. Taking pregnenolone can also help manage cortisone and stress, and seems to also improve memory and general neural performance. DHEA is another “hormone of youth,” but in old age, we produce only about 5% as much as we do in our younger years (a similar decrease occurs with progesterone and pregnenolone), while cortisone does not decrease as much. So, considering I tend to have pretty high levels of blood and urine cortisol whenever I test, I figured this stack would make sense for me to experiment with, and it definitely seems to give me very stable energy levels, and as a side result, extremely high libido. I've been taking Gonadin and Pansterone mid-morning or mid-afternoon, then Cortinon at night before bed.

4. Sirtuins/NAD

In the massive anti-aging chapter of my book Boundless, I discuss how sirtuins and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) are like the “turkey and cranberries” of longevity. The two work in synergy to help protect DNA and limit excess telomere shortening with age, which is why you may have noticed that many supplement manufacturers who sell nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), or NAD often combine it with a sirtuin, most commonly resveratrol. Although I've been consistently using NAD in oral or patch form, and even from the occasionally intravenous administration, I've recently been putting far fewer forms of seeds, nuts, or nut butter into my morning “anti-aging smoothie”, while simultaneously increasing the amount of small wild blueberries, wild blueberry powder, cacao powder and cacao beans (I get the latter from Kauai Organic Farmacy) into the smoothie. The slightly higher carbohydrate intake from the blueberries in the morning doesn't seem to impact my blood glucose or ketones much at all (berries are a low-glycemic fruit anyways), I've had very stable energy levels throughout the entire morning after the smoothie, and I'm enjoying the wonderful flavor of the blueberry-chocolatey goodness as well, as a nice way to kick off each day.

5. Hacked Naps

Although this tactic flies in the face of most circadian rhythm research, I've changed my sleep habits dramatically: particularly by shortening my evening sleep to about 6 to 6.5 hours per night (approximately 10 pm to 4 or 4:30 am), and then slipping away in the mid-afternoon around 2 pm or 3 pm to nap or do deep meditation and breathwork for 30-45 minutes. I seem to have convinced myself for the longest period of time that I needed 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but with this latest tactic, I'm actually giving myself a full extra 1-2 hours of productivity each day, and I've found I can simulate the effects of the full 90-minute sleep cycle I'm technically “missing” each night by using the strategies I discuss in my article “Better Living Through Science: Two Advanced Biohacking Strategies & “Stacks” For Enhancing Sleep & Meditationparticularly by combining the NuCalm, the hyperbaric chamber, the Apollo, and the Hapbee (yeah, I know that sounds like a lot but it just works) to go to an entirely different planet in my head in a relatively short and efficient relaxation session each afternoon. Works like gangbusters.

6. Water & Minerals

Once each morning and once each afternoon, I have dramatically stepped up my hydration game. Considering that the human body is a battery that I'm already focusing on “charging” more with the light, grounding, and earthing strategies mentioned above, I'd be remiss not to ensure my battery has ample electrically charged particles available to it via good mineral intake and clean, pure water. So, in the morning, into a large glass mason jar, I add 24-28 ounces of water (poured through a water vortexer like this with 3 hydrogen tablets, 2 vials of hypertonic Quinton (listen to this podcast with Robert Slovak to learn more), a scoop Jigsaw Health Adrenal Cocktail (which is a boatload of whole foods-based Vitamin C), a scoop of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, and, for flavor and even more minerals, a packet of lemon or raspberry flavored Protekt (introduced to me by Navy SEAL Nick Norris on this podcast). I then place this on my “Infopathy” device, and charge it with the Mitochondrial Energy or Man Power 2.0 Complex. Then, after my afternoon nap, I do the exact same cocktail. Again, kind of similar to the “hacked nap,” while I realize this seems like a lot of stuff to stack all at once, the recipe only takes me about 5 minutes max to mix up, charge and drink, and the results seem to be well worth it.

7. Biogeometry

If you heard my recent podcast with Paul Chek, then you are no doubt aware that I've become quite interested in the concept of biogeometry. After interviewing Paul and beginning to better understand what I once considered to be a bit too “woo” for me, I got my hands on a home energy balancing kit and personal biogeometry pendant from the Biogeometry website (get free shipping on orders over $60 with code BEN) and began to utilize both technologies. Biogeometry is based on the impact of geometrical shapes on human energy systems. Though we often consider concepts such as “sacred geometry” or “pyramidal shapes” or other ancient forms of symbolic art as being without function or strange magical practices, I really do think the Ancient Egyptians were onto something when they began using these type of shapes and structures in their architecture, jewelry, homes, and cities.

Biogeometry is based on the study of the vibrational properties of the geometrical shapes these type of ancient civilizations used in their monuments, art, statues, amulets, and many other aspects of life, and uses special shapes and design principles to replicate and amplify this highly beneficial natural subtle energy quality. The shapes interact with the body’s own surrounding energy fields, according to the natural laws of harmonics and resonance, to introduce the energy quality balancing effect to the body’s subtle energy system and the harmonization of energy interactions with the environment. Biogeometry shapes designed or engraved on jewelry have shown positive effects on the body’s energy field and a considerable reduction of the potential health hazards caused by cellular phones, computers, and all other modern appliances.

Dr. Ibrahim F. Karim has written an entire book on this concept, but it's admittedly quite complex and, in my opinion, a bit difficult to understand. So I'm not only going to interview him on my podcast soon, but I also have one of his team members certified in Biogeometry visiting my home and land this summer to do a full biogeometry analysis and add even more shapes and structures to my home beyond the home energy balancing kit and personal biogeometry pendant I've been using for the past several weeks. In short, when I wear the pendant and also when I walk into the main room of the house in which we've installed the cube, there is a near-instant feeling of peace and calm that I definitely didn't experience to that extent beforehand. So while I have yet to fully understand biogeometry, what I do know is that it is doing something, and I really don't think it's the placebo effect, because I also noticed it at Paul Chek's house before he even told me he had done the full biogeometry package on his home and land. So stay tuned for more on biogeometry in the coming weeks!

8. Prayer Bracelet

Based on my deep desire to maintain full union and a constancy of connection with my Creator, I've decided I need to pray moreway more. So I bought a $5, very simple, elegant wooden “prayer bracelet” from Amazon as a sort of very simple “trick” to remind me to pray when I wake, pray when I eat, pray when I walk, pray when I exercise, pray with my family, pray before work, pray after work, pray during work, and basically pray whenever I have the opportunity to close my eyes and say something as simple as “I am here, God” or something more complex like The Lord's Prayer,” a chapter of the Psalms, or a raw, honest emotional pouring out to God of whatever happens to be on my heartwhether it be gratitude, or need, or sorrow, or confusion, or desire for clarity, or anything else. The hope, peace, comfort, joy, and connection this seems to be pouring into my life is profound, and even on a day on which I'm feeling down, excessively busy, annoyed at small problems, or otherwise stressed, I've found that a simple prayer immediately picks me up and changes my entire mood and energy state. You can learn more about these types of prayer habits in my articles “Union With God” and “Prayer.”


Summary

If you're a keen observer, you'll note that several of the key energy-bestowing variables above involve changes to my environment, such as time spent outdoors barefoot or earthing/grounding, sunlight, light, water, and biogeometry. I believe many of these changes were influenced by my amplified focus on optimizing my personal environment, inspired by my recent podcast with Leland Stillman (and I'll be featuring an upcoming podcast soon with Dr. Anthony Beck on this same “optimized personal environment” principle based on his BalanceEnviro program).

So let's review quickly my tips of late for greater energy:

  1. Earth and ground way more.
  2. Get exposed to plenty of natural light, along with red and infrared light technology use.
  3. Consider pregnenolone, progesterone, and DHEA supplementation.
  4. Consume more sirtuins/NAD via foods like blueberry and cacao.
  5. Sleep less at night, but have a really good daytime nap or meditation session.
  6. Prioritize your water and mineral intake, bigtime.
  7. Look into biogeometry for personal and home use.
  8. Purchase a prayer bracelet, and use it.

How about you? Have you tried or do you plan to try any of my energy “hacks” listed above? Have you found certain key habits you've adopted of late to be big dial-movers for you in your own energy department? Leave your thoughts, comments, and feedback below. I read them all!

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15 thoughts on “Sabbath Ramblings: Energy

  1. Andrew Parker says:

    Hey Ben, great article. Any chance you’ve got a coupon code for the Gonadin/Pansterone?

  2. CYNTHIA FRANCISCO says:

    Love all your information and that you share all your research and findings with us. Can you tell us which is the model on Amazon of the nifty little blue light device that you use on your desk. Is it the Circadian Optics – Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp | Ultra Bright 10,000 Lux Full Spectrum LED Light?

  3. Nadia says:

    Great thank you, I have the biogeometry pendant + home kit too, Can’t wait to listen to your talk with Dr Ibrahim Karim he is a great man 👍👍
    Thank you Ben for your generosity

  4. Chris Odd says:

    Hey ben, what would be the dosages for the hormone stack?

    1. Depends on body size/goals but I've found Georgi Dinkov's website/support staff to be quite helpful for this.

  5. Alex Norton says:

    This list is somewhat overwhelming. Where would someone on a budget who is relatively new to all of this start? What are some of the best items in this list?

  6. Tim says:

    Ben have you heard of Gregg Braden? He’s written some great books on prayer. Wisdom Codes has a translation of the Lord’s Prayer that is really powerful. The Lost Mode of Prayer goes into “how to” pray based on feeling, intention, and full body sensation.

    Would love to hear you interview him!

    Thanks for the great article!

    1. thanks, I'll check him out!

  7. Jenny says:

    Thank you for the article, Ben. Which brand and model of light bulbs do you use for the bedroom and the rest of your house? I am interested in doing this as well. I want to make sure I get the right kind of replacement bulbs. Thank you.

  8. Matthew says:

    Hi Ben

    Thanks for Great article as always,

    Can you give us some recommendations which pregnenolone and progesterone to get or where

    PLEASE?

    1. it's right there in article. ;)

  9. Finally came around to Ray and Georgi! Welcome to my world!!! Cheers

  10. Chase says:

    Ben, thanks for the great article. The biocharger seems to run right in line with this fantastic list, but you didn’t mention it. Do you still use it? How much do you feel the biocharger has had an impact on you? I’m just about to possibly buy one to help me with chronic Lyme.

    1. Ben Greenfield says:

      Still use it daily but all of the above are new additions!

      1. Chase says:

        Thanks!

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