Non-Nootropic Brain Hacking Guide
Posted by TEAM PURE NOOTROPICS

Nootropics are a profound tool for exploring optimal human potential. With greater concentration, learning ability, and creativity, we can become more successful and tackle difficult global challenges. We may have a vested interest in nootropics, but that doesn't mean we can't see outside the box.
There are plenty of non-nootropic methods of optimizing mental performance and achieving the best version of yourself. Sometimes the methods we will cover in this article are better than nootropics and sometimes they compliment each other.
Despite the value of nootropics, we have to make a habit of seeing other tools in our toolbox. As the adage goes, if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.
How can we get the same or greater effects for mental performance without using nootropics?
Let's find out.
Minimalist Approaches to Mental Performance
When we think about nootropics and cognitive enhancement, most avid biohackers imagine bottles of supplements and the latest gadgets and technology. In reality, some of the biggest bang for your buck is with removing things from your life rather than adding them. With these three simple minimalist approaches, it's far easier to optimize mental performance in the simplest way possible.- Fasting (removal of food)
- Nutritional Ketosis (removal of carbs)
- Meditation (removal of thoughts)

Neurohacking Brain Technology
The minimalist approach to brain hacking is great, but for many excited biohackers, it isn't enough. One can utilize all the above mentioned techniques AND seek the latest and greatest technologies.- tDCS (trans direct-current stimulation)
- Sound waves (binaural beats and auditory neuroscience)
- Neurofeedback

Brain Hacking Lifestyle: Every Part Matters
Spending money on the latest and greatest technologies may be great in the short term, but it becomes expensive over time. We all have different budgetary limitations and spending $1-200 per session (without insurance support) for neurofeedback probably isn't going to last long for most people. Of course, there are plenty of lifestyle tweaks we can make to change our brain chemistry as well. Here are a few we'll briefly touch upon:- Sex - we all enjoy sex, but how much can sexual activity help us for optimizing mental performance? It turns out, many of the chemicals associated with sexual activity, such as oxytocin, help to reduce stress and increase cognitive performance. For men, sex can also increase testosterone (whereas masturbation may not), which has healthy cognitive effects as well. Keep in mind, this refers mostly to emotionally-sound sexual intercourse between loving partners!
- Heat / cold exposure - many gyms have a sauna and cold pool, which does more than provide good feelings. In one study, sauna goers had a 66% reduced risk of dementia and 65% reduced risk of developing memory issues. Check out an interesting podcast with the researcher here. Dr. Rhonda Patrick also mentions heat and cold exposure on Tim Ferriss' blog.
- Exercise - the brain chemicals associated with exercise are naturally conducive to optimizing mental performance. We have evolved to move and a lack of movement creates an assortment of problems. Simple walking can increase creativity up to 50%. Chemicals like endorphins are only released during exercise.
- Breathing - we all breathe unconsciously to survive, but conscious breathing techniques can make a big difference in cognitive performance. There aren't many studies, but holotropic breathwork is considered a psychological intervention. While subjective, try doing some of the Wim Hof exercises and see how your brain feels with a high dose of oxygen!