The Snake Oil Effect

Hey Friend,

I promised to share my experiences with the Brian Johnson Blueprint experiment, and here we are, a month and a half in. It's been a fascinating journey into the high-tech world of STEM-driven health optimization, and I've got plenty to report!

Blueprint Basics

Imagine turning your health into a high-tech project, where every bit of data from your body helps you make smarter lifestyle choices. That's what the Brian Johnson's Blueprint is all about. It’s been 45 days of getting intimate with all sorts of metrics about my body's functions. It’s like having a dialogue with your own biology—super cool and incredibly insightful.

Sweet Farewell to Sugar

One of the first steps I took, which was not required by the Blueprint but was a personal choice, was to eliminate sugar from my diet. Not just cutting back—a complete overhaul. The last time I quit sugar was years ago, and I didn’t remember it being so tough. This time around, my mood was all over the place initially.

Known for its addictive properties and omnipresence in our diets, sugar was my comfort and my nemesis. The first days were tough, marked by mood swings and a profound grumpiness—just ask my husband! But as the days turned into weeks, a remarkable shift occurred. Not only did my physical cravings subside, but my emotional awareness heightened, allowing me to experience a more stable and clear-headed version of myself.

As a professional who teaches metacognition to my clients, I guide individuals to build awareness of their own thought and behavioral patterns. Metacognition, often described as "thinking about thinking," involves being aware of one’s thought processes and strategically directing them towards effective problem-solving and decision-making. This critical self-awareness is essential for personal and professional growth, as it empowers individuals to regulate their cognitive and emotional responses to various situations.

This experience with sugar provided a practical test of these principles in my own life. Interestingly, the heightened emotional awareness I developed led me to explore the concept of "meta-emotion." Meta-emotion is our emotional response to our own emotions, creating layers of feelings that can either amplify or mitigate our initial reactions. Recognizing and managing these meta-emotions became a crucial aspect of my journey, further enhancing my ability to maintain emotional stability and clarity. This insight has not only deepened my personal resilience but has also enriched my teaching, providing a vivid, real-life example of the power of metacognitive strategies in managing not just thoughts, but complex emotional landscapes.

Chillin’ with the Cold Plunge Crew

Inspired by those icy Vikings (or at least that’s how I imagine Wim Hof and his followers), I dove headfirst into the world of cold plunges. The first dunk was a shock—a literal breath-stealer—but each splash after that brought more zen and less tenseness.

Investing in a cold plunge was a decision made much easier when I thought about the impending Houston summer heat. I figured, if I'm going to invest in anything to beat the heat, why not something that also boosts my health? Dipping into 55°F (about 13°C) water was a shock at first—and my Scandinavian friends still laugh at me, calling it a "warm bath." Despite their teasing, the benefits are undeniable. Better sleep, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced mental clarity are just a few of the perks. Following up with a session in the sauna helps to soothe the body after the shock of the cold, boosting circulation and detoxifying the skin. It’s a one-two punch of wellness that leaves me feeling rejuvenated.

The Oura Ring: A Game Changer

One of my favorite biohacking toys in this experiment has been the Oura Ring. This little piece of tech is like having a health lab on your finger. It tracks my physical activity, sleep patterns, and even stress levels, providing insights that help me adjust my daily habits for optimal health. With the Oura Ring, I get real-time feedback on how well my body is recovering and what it needs more or less of—whether that’s sleep, activity, or relaxation.

Embracing the "Snake Oil"

Halfway through my experiment, Blueprint decided to dance with the haters. They renamed EVOO, their olive oil to "Snake Oil". It was a masterclass in sass and resilience, turning a cheeky jeer into a brand cheer. A moment of silence for the haters, please. This clever marketing move, while cheeky, taught an important lesson in emotional intelligence and brand resilience.

To top it off, we decided to let the science do the talking: before and after bloodwork results would determine whether these supplements and the newly dubbed 'Snake Oil' truly worked their magic. The verdict? Stay tuned for this data-backed drama!

What’s Next?

Reflecting on this whole experiment has me thinking bigger, like social norms, corporate wellness and workplace bigger. Why do we settle for donuts and stale coffee when we could have support for real health changes?

Traditional work environments often prioritize productivity at the expense of wellness, offering superficial perks instead of genuine support for healthy living. This raises important questions about how workplaces can better support the health and well-being of their employees, going beyond the morning coffee and donuts or occasional happy hour to foster a culture of sustained wellness.

The Takeaway

So, what's the big deal with Brian Johnson’s Blueprint? It's a sneak peek into a future where we don't just live longer; we live better. It's about letting science do the heavy lifting so we can focus on being our best selves. Whether it's changing how you eat, how you chill, or how you sauna, it's all about upgrading your life, one experiment at a time.

So, if this brief insight into my journey with health hacking has sparked your interest or resonated with you, why not share it? Pass this post along to a friend who is enthusiastic about health, technology, or simply loves discovering great life hacks. And hey, don’t be shy—drop your thoughts or questions in the comments. I’m all ears and would love to chat about your experiences or answer any queries you might have.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this journey. Who knows what the next check-in will bring?