Latest news with #biohacking
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Secrets of a biohacker: How to peel five years off your body clock FAST - no millionaire budget required
Think biohacking is just for Silicon Valley tech bros and cashed-up celebs sipping mushroom lattes in cryo chambers? Think again. As someone who's walked the long road back from burnout, chronic illness, and mould exposure - and now has a biological age ten years younger than my real one - I'm here to tell you: you don't need thousands of dollars to biohack. You need smart, simple, science-backed habits. I wrote all about them in my new book Biohack Me, because the wellness world is overflowing with overwhelming amounts of information that confuses and contradicts itself. And frankly, most people don't have time for that. We want tools that work, don't cost the earth, and slot into real, messy, busy lives. Biohacking on a budget is possible and I dedicate a whole chapter to it in my new book. Here are my go-to, budget-friendly pro-ageing hacks that help you feel sharper, stronger, and more energised - without touching your savings account. 1. Get cold (yes, on purpose) Cold showers or ocean dips aren't just for hardcore athletes or Byron Bay influencers. They're one of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and stimulate fat-burning brown fat. Cold exposure also boosts dopamine by up to 250 per cent - hello, energy and focus - and it trains your nervous system to handle stress better. I call it resilience training. Start with 30 seconds at the end of your shower, build to 60, then go all in. It's a ritual I swear by - because it's free, fast, and wildly effective. It's also the closest thing to a legal mood-boosting drug I've found. 2. Sunlight before screens Before you touch your phone in the morning, step outside. Natural sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, balances hormones (including cortisol), and kickstarts your metabolism. It's also a massive player in longevity, sleep quality, and mental clarity. Even ten minutes of natural light within an hour of waking helps reset your body clock and improve mitochondrial function - the tiny powerhouses inside your cells that literally keep you alive and youthful. This is one of my 'non-negotiables' and it costs zero dollars. 3. Eat within a window (but still eat) Intermittent fasting isn't about starving yourself - it's about giving your body time to repair. Research shows time-restricted eating supports cellular clean-up (a process called autophagy), reduces inflammation, and supports gut health. I aim for an eight-hour eating window (usually 11am–6pm), which is flexible and family-friendly. You don't need to fast like a monk - just avoid snacking late into the night and give your body a proper break. 4. Prioritise protein and plants Muscle is the organ of longevity. As we age, we lose muscle mass, which impacts everything from metabolism to mental clarity. So yes, lift weights - but also eat protein. I aim for 100g+ per day, balanced with a rainbow of veggies for fibre, antioxidants, and gut health. Gut health is your second brain and deeply linked to ageing and inflammation. Food really is medicine - and the good news? Aussie farmers markets are packed with seasonal, nutrient-rich produce that doesn't cost a bomb. 5. Sleep like it's your job Sleep is the holy grail, the foundation to better health and pro-ageing. Sleep is when your body repairs, your brain detoxes, and your hormones reset. Create a bedtime ritual that works for you - dim lights, screen curfew, breathwork, herbal tea, gratitude journaling, or a bath. Make it sacred. The goal? Seven to nine hours of quality, consistent sleep. Not scrolling till midnight and 'catching up' on the weekend. That doesn't work. Sleep is one of the most powerful age-reversing tools we have - and it's free. 6. Move (in short bursts) You don't need a 90-minute gym routine. Quick movement snacks throughout the day - like walking meetings (we need 30 minutes of walking daily to counteract the sitting we do), 15 minutes of yoga, skipping or rebounding, or 20 squats while the kettle boils or between meetings - can be just as effective for energy, mood, and metabolic health. Stack movement with fun, like dancing in the kitchen, housework, walking the dog, or chasing your kids. The science of movement is clear: a sedentary life is the fast track to ageing. Don't let it be yours. 7. Think younger, live longer Mindset isn't fluff - it's biology. A positive outlook on ageing has been linked to living up to 7.5 years longer. If you're constantly saying 'I'm too old for this,' guess what? Your body listens. I practice pro-ageing with a longevity mindset. I want to age with energy, clarity, and strength. And that's where biohacking helps - by keeping you mentally sharp and physically energised, no matter your birth year.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Crans-Montana may be lesser known than some of its Swiss Alpine neighbors—but it's the lack of that glitzy, see-and-be-seen vibe in towns like Gstaad and St. Moritz that lends it a unique, laid-back charm. (This corner of the Alps is where Europeans go for seriously great skiing, with 140 kilometers of pistes catering to every level of ability.) So when the Six Senses brand announced they were launching a new property in the town, nestled in the peaks of the French-speaking canton of Valais, the interest of luxury travel obsessives was piqued. And while the hotel certainly doesn't disappoint on the skiing front—there's a ski-in, ski-out entrance and a rental shop within the property itself—the spa is an equally dazzling crown jewel. Spread across two floors and 2,000 square meters, its wide-ranging offering encompasses everything from ancient Alpine healing to the latest in biohacking technology; the latter is offered in a labyrinthine room with gadgets spanning everything from lymphatic drainage systems to full-body LED light therapy machines to compression boots, best enjoyed in tandem with a massage lounger that is timed to the subconsciously soothing binaural beats that are pumped through a pair of headphones. It's a wonderland for those looking to try the latest and most outré advances within the ever-evolving world of wellness. What's the vibe? The brand new hotel may have opened just two years ago, but it has the warm, inviting feeling of a classic Swiss ski institution. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted in the subterranean welcome area—and invited to select one of the traditional bells hanging on the wall to ring and mark your intention for the week ahead—before being whizzed up to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the lobby, through which you can see the steam rising off the outdoor pool. The rooms and suites are a masterclass in sleek Alpine style, with larch and oak wood paneling, artfully dimmed lighting, and enormous quartzite stone-clad bathrooms with tubs for a post-ski soak—and every single one has a terrace from which you can enjoy the sweeping views across the valley. (Also worth noting? The impressive array of dining options, which range from an excellent Japanese restaurant Byakko to healthier riffs on Swiss classics at the rustic Wild Cabin—don't miss the Sunday brunch at the latter, with its heaving platters of locally produced cold cuts and cheeses.) But back to the spa: The centerpiece is a gorgeously designed indoor pool area that features thousands of shimmering light rods hanging from the ceiling like minimalist stalactites, and a glass gate that opens up for you to swim through to the great outdoors; surrounding it are loungers and cabana-style private areas to sip freshly brewed blends of detox herbal teas or fruit- and herb-infused waters from the health bar next door. Head deeper into the rabbit warren of corridors, and you'll find an array of saunas—everything from Finnish to Himalayan salt—which form part of a thermodynamic circuit that also includes a hammam and a cold plunge. The hardest part? Deciding which order to do it all in. The history? The wellness-focused hospitality brand Six Senses has been going since the '90s, but their Crans-Montana outpost marks their first attempt at a ski-spa concept. The brand's illustrious reputation and history means that the wellness offering here comes with some serious bona fides, and they've clearly taken great delight in translating their signature treatments for hardcore skiers. What should you try? If you're visiting for more than a few days, it's worth signing up for one of their robust rest and recovery packages, which begin with a 60-minute high-tech wellness screening and conclude with a check-in at the end to see how things have improved throughout your stay. Other highlights included a signature deep tissue massage, which began with a consultation in which the therapist decided hot stones along my wrists and forearms would be the perfect salve for soreness after clinging too tightly to my ski poles the day before, and a facial using products from Dr. Burgener Switzerland that settled down my ruddy complexion from the icy winds of the mountain. It's the perfect place to retreat that also offers the opportunity to get active in the great outdoors. How environmentally friendly is it? In general, Six Senses is known for taking their environmental responsibilities seriously, and as the hotel is a recent build, there are myriad ways in which they've strived to reduce its impact. Within the spa, the pools use UV filters to reduce the need for chemical treatment, while it was constructed using almost entirely natural, local materials. Oh, and the entire place is powered using Swiss hydroelectricity and heated using a carbon-neutral wooden pellet system. What else do we need to know? Make sure to book in at the charming Alchemy Bar, where a local holistic wellness therapist will guide you through the process of making your own face masks and scrubs, selecting your favorite essential oils to make it. (Given I was in the Alps, I felt it was only appropriate to put some pine essence into mine.) Perfect for a post-dinner soak in your private tub. John Athimaritis Who can go? The Six Senses Crans-Montana spa is free for hotel guests, though day passes are available for visitors for a fee.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Fairmont Century Plaza
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Silicon Valley may be the biohacking capital of the world, but a quick trip to the Fairmont Century Plaza will convince any guest that the drive to optimize has made its way south in the Golden State. Aided by antigravity beds, magnetic waves, lymphatic-drainage boots, and sound-wave therapy, the spa isn't pursuing eternal youth but optimized wellness. The Fairmont prioritizes purification, from Hydrafacials to manifestation practices. Call it the new New Age, and, really, where better than Los Angeles to delve into the far reaches of the woo-woo? Make no mistake, though: The spa isn't focused on fads. See, for example, the Matahari journey, a 90-minute service that utilizes Tibetan sound bowls, Turkish Rhassoul masks, and chakra-focused massage. Be it old school or new, every treatment at the Fairmont aspires to leave the client physically and mentally refreshed—an ethos that applies across the chain's 62 locations worldwide. Photo: Brandon Barré / Courtesy of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza What's the vibe? Despite its impressive 14,000 square feet, the spa is cozy and womblike. While the sterile, corporate Century City—nestled between the starry Beverly Hills and Westwood—is already a somewhat insular city within a city, interior-design firm Yabu Pushelberg has ensured that the spa feels a world away from the hustle of Los Angeles. Dark tiles and rounded walls give the spa a warm, cavelike feeling, and there's no skimpy culinary asceticism here. Instead, you'll find hors d'oeuvres galore. (The spa hasn't severed all its Hollywood connections: The behemothic Creative Artists Agency HQ is connected via an underground tunnel.) Photo: Brandon Barré / Courtesy of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza The history? From 1966 through 2006, the Fairmont was known as the Century Plaza Hotel, which broadcast the Grammys' first-ever live telecast from the hotel ballroom in 1971. It is also a notable West Coast political satellite: In 1969, President Richard Nixon hosted a state dinner, the first outside of the White House, to celebrate the Apollo 11 moon landing. From 2006 to 2016, Hyatt assumed ownership of the hotel. After $2.5 billion in renovations, it reopened in 2021 as the Fairmont and resumed its position as a regular site for awards shows like the SAG and Critics Choice awards and the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. What should you try? Go for a mix of old- and new-school treatments. After being gently squeezed by a pair of lymphatic-drainage boots while lying on a zero-gravity bed, I felt like I'd taken a post-workout nap. But the recovery massage is truly not to be missed. (My massage therapist, Allison, was instantly warmhearted and welcoming and nothing short of thorough.) Make sure to spend plenty of time cycling between the rain shower, cedarwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, hammam, and Himalayan salt room to maximize your experience. Photo: Brandon Barré / Courtesy of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza What else do we need to know? For anyone interested in leveling up their 'do, the spa is also home to the Cristophe Privé salon. And if the itch to shop strikes, the hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the famed Century City mall, the area's crown-jewel outdoor shopping center. Photo: Brandon Barré / Courtesy of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza Who can go? There's no need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the spa. Book individual treatments, or purchase a guest pass, which grants you access to the Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, hammam, rain shower, gym, and the coed lounge. Booking details for Fairmont Century Plaza Address: 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, United States Read more from Vogue's Global Spa Guide.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Davinia Taylor, 47, claims infrared saunas 'saved her life' after she gave up her wild lifestyle for sobriety and biohacking
Davinia Taylor has claimed infrared saunas 'saved her life' after she gave up her wild lifestyle for sobriety and biohacking. In a revealing and unfiltered conversation, the actress and self-described 'biohacker' sat down with the Mail's Bryony Gordon on The Life of Bryony podcast, to discuss her transformation from party girl to wellness advocate. The former Hollyoaks star, 47, opens up about addiction, recovery, motherhood, and her unorthodox health rituals - sharing eyebrow-raising insights into the world of hormone hacking, infrared saunas, and the 'real' causes of brain fog. Davinia, known for her candid social media presence and passion for alternative health, speaks with the same boldness here—claiming certain wellness routines have saved her life and even reversed ageing. With a tone that's equal parts entertaining and controversial, this is one of the most outspoken episodes yet. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Discussing her battle with stress and sobriety, Davinia said she now sits in a £200 infrared sauna nightly to detox her liver and mimic the relaxing effects of wine Discussing her battle with stress and sobriety, Davinia said she now sits in a £200 infrared sauna nightly to detox her liver and mimic the relaxing effects of wine. She explained: 'I sit in there… have some activated charcoal or something, do a proper detox… go to bed, you'll wake up tip-top.' Admitting that wine was her 'drug of choice' she explained: 'I really hit right bottom kind of early doors really. 'I was very much white wine. And drinking. White wine vodka, beer didn't get me as much, but I would take that on a very last course of action. 'And weirdly, nicotine didn't get me either. As soon as I put the drink down, nicotine didn't. 'So I was pretty lucky with that accessibility because alcohol is really accessible, drugs and all. 'So it was pretty easy to access my drug of choice, which was why, why, particularly when Tesco is open 24/7.' 'Addiction is not a choice, by the way. It's a body's way of coping with a certain situation.' PODCAST: Join Bryony Gordon (and a special guest) for your weekly dose of therapy, minus the couch. Listen to all episodes HERE The actress continued: 'And boom, like I said earlier, it's an evil use when we miss match. So for me to be exposed to so much alcohol was just catastrophic for me. 'However, it fast-tracked me into rock bottom and then got me sober very early in life.' Davinia was famed for her position in the notorious Primrose Hill party set, where she joined her then-husband Dave Gardner in partying through the Nineties with pals including Kate Moss, Sadie Frost and Jude Law. After embracing sobriety 16-years ago, becoming a fitness guru and turning her focus to biohacking, Davinia now boasts a bio-age of 26. Biohacking involves making small, strategic scientific-backed changes to habits and behaviours to improve things like cognitive function and weight management. She continued: 'It's like, the body wants to heal. It wants to survive. It doesn't want to punish you. 'It's not judgmental. It's like, f***, okay, we've got rid of that addictive or that inflammatory ingredient, be it food, be it gambling, be it behaviours, be it alcohol, be it drugs, whatever. 'We've got rid of it. Now let's quickly repair and let's crack on with what we were meant to do, which is thrive.' The Life of Bryony: Your twice weekly dose of therapy, minus the couch. Listen wherever you get your podcasts now. 'I was convinced that because of all the drinking and drugging and eating disorders and just the terrible ways over the years. 'And the stress and the stress and depression. Yeah, lack of sleep and all that, yeah. OCD, all of that. 'I was convinced that my biological age would be around about 156. And it blew my mind. Lo and behold told me my biological age was 26.' Ever feel like life is a bit…too much? Bestselling author and journalist Bryony Gordon is here to ditch the shame and dive headfirst into life's messier bits.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Fact or fad: Ice baths are on the rise, but do they really work?
Cold therapy was once reserved for elite athletes and biohacking enthusiasts. Inspired by the Finnish tradition of alternating between a sauna and a plunge into icy water, this invigorating ritual is now spreading far beyond Scandinavian borders and across the globe. In Australia, ice baths are appearing in gyms, wellness studios, and even suburban backyards, from Bondi to Byron Bay, as people embrace the trend. Neil O'Sullivan, the CEO and Co-Founder of NIMBUS CO, a network of infra-red sauna and cold plunge studios, says that this surge is no accident. 'We live in an age where stress, burnout and overstimulation are at an all time high,' Mr O'Sullivan tells 'People are looking for simple, natural tools to feel better and support their physical and mental health.' Cold therapy rituals offer a quick way to help us reset, he says, whether it's via a full-body plunge, a cold shower, or simply splashing icy water on your face in the morning. What does it involve, and what are the potential benefits? Cold therapy, or cold exposure, involves deliberately exposing your body, or parts of it, to cold temperatures. The benefits, according to O'Sullivan, are seriously impressive, and a growing body of research backs this up. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold therapy may improve circulation and even assist with sleep. Multiple studies have shown that cold water immersion can also promote basic post-sport recovery, making it a popular choice for athletes and daily exercisers. Beyond physical benefits, cold therapy has also been linked to improved focus and a reduction in inflammation throughout the body. However, what often surprises ice bath regulars the most is the effect they can have on people's moods. 'It can build emotional resilience by activating the parasympathetic nervous system – essentially helping the body shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair mode,' Mr Mr O'Sullivan explains. Studies have also shown that cold water immersion can trigger the release of endorphins and noradrenaline, which are associated with improved mood, focus and reduced stress. Potential risks While the benefits of ice baths are compelling, experts caution that ice baths are not without their risks. Medical literature and leading health organisations warn of several potential dangers, especially for those with underlying health conditions. Sudden immersion in icy water can trigger what's known as a 'cold shock' response, causing rapid breathing, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and even dizziness or fainting. Prolonged exposure can also lead to hypothermia, which affects both physical and cognitive function and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. The cardiovascular system may also be impacted, as cold water can make the heart work harder, which can be an issue for anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. Experts suggest that anyone considering ice baths should consult a healthcare professional first. Ice baths for women As with many biohacking practices, there is a ' gender research gap ', and the same applies to cold exposure. Much of the scientific research regarding cold and heat exposure focuses on male biology, which means our understanding of its benefits and side effects for women remains somewhat limited. However, emerging research suggests that women may experience cold therapy differently from men due to hormonal fluctuations, thermoregulation, and body composition. In simple terms, our bodies regulate heat differently depending on gender. Shifts during the menstrual cycle or perimenopause can influence how the nervous and cardiovascular systems respond to stressors like cold immersion. Some studies have shown that the physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate variability or resting heart rate, may be less pronounced in women compared to men. It also takes longer for women to return heat to vital organs compared to men. However, that doesn't mean cold therapy isn't effective for women, and the effects have been observed across genders. 'There is no 'one size fits all' protocol, especially for women,' Mr O'Sullivan notes. 'Where you are in your life stage, or specific times in your cycle can largely impact how and when, or if, you should ice bath. It also means that temperature carries further importance. Women don't need their ice bath to be as cold as men do'. How to try cold therapy If you're keen to try cold therapy, you'll be pleased to know that you don't need an expensive set up or extreme temperatures to see results. 'Anything below 15°C can be effective. A cold shower, a dip in the ocean, or even standing outside in the cold with few layers on (depending on where you are in the world, of course) can unlock the same effects as a dedicated ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. If you are looking to ease into cold therapy, he recommends Wim Hof's 30-day cold shower challenge. The Wim Hof 30-day cold shower challenge Option 1: Cold shower progression Week 1: Finish your usual hot shower with 30 seconds of cold water Week 2: Extend the cold part to 45 seconds Week 3: Extend to 60 seconds Week 4: Try doing the entire shower cold If you're feeling brave, a DIY ice bath can be easy and effective, too. Option 2: DIY ice bath at home Prepare the set up: Fill a bath or large tub with cold water and ice – aim for 10–15°C. For beginners, three bags of ice from a service station should be plenty. Prepare yourself: Take three deep breaths to calm your nervous system before stepping in. On the third exhale, start entering the water. Get in: Ease into the bath. Stay for at least three minutes: That's the average time it takes for the nervous system to switch from a stress state (sympathetic) to a recovery state (parasympathetic). If you can't make three minutes on your first go, no stress – 30 seconds is still a win. Ice bath tips Breathe slowly throughout: The first 30 seconds are the hardest, Mr O'Sullivan says. That's when your system is panicking. Deep, steady breaths help regulate this response. Crossing your arms? That's normal: It's called the 'dive reflex' – your brain thinks you're underwater and your body enters survival mode. Want to make it harder? Stretch your arms out or move them – it breaks your body's thermal barrier and lets more cold in. Clothing makes a difference: Bulky boardshorts can dull the cold. Budgie smugglers or nude? Much more intense. Progress happens quickly: Most people who think they can't last three minutes usually end up surprising themselves. Shivering is normal (with limits): It's your body producing heat via brown fat activation – a positive metabolic response. But if the shivers linger, that's your cue to get out. Don't jump into a hot shower right after: Let your body reheat itself. That's part of the process. Hot showers right after can cause skin burning or rob your body of the chance to restore balance naturally. Want to warm up? Try light movements – air squats or arm swings. Feeling off afterwards? That happens too: If you feel light-headed or tired, rest. Get into a blanket, have a hot tea or snack, and let your body recalibrate. Contrast therapy Contrast therapy involves pairing an infra-red sauna with cold immersion, which has been shown to boost circulation, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and help recovery. This occurs through the processes of vasoconstriction (blood vessels narrowing) and vasodilation (blood vessels expanding) simultaneously. 'We usually recommend 20–30 minutes in the infra-red sauna followed by one to three minutes in the ice bath,' Mr O'Sullivan says. What's the recommended weekly protocol? Longitudinal studies emerging from Finland and Scandinavia suggest various weekly protocols to maximise benefits of cold exposure. Dr Susanna Søberg, a scientist who specialises in metabolism, temperature exposure, and longevity, claims that seeing results doesn't require hours of extreme therapy. Based on her 2021 study, she suggests only 11 minutes of cold exposure weekly, divided into brief sessions, along with roughly 57 minutes of sauna use in 10 to 15 minute intervals. This simple routine has been associated with benefits such as reduced blood sugar levels and improved cardiovascular health. In other landmark studies conducted by Dr Jari Laukkanen, participants were followed for up to 20-30 years. The research found that frequent sauna use (four to seven times per week, 15–20 minutes per session at 80–100°C) is linked to a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. What's next for cold therapy? Looking ahead, Mr O'Sullivan predicts that cold therapy will become a staple for stress management, sleep hygiene, and even beauty routines. 'It's not new – many cultures around the world have used it for centuries. But what we will see is its ubiquity among the average person and also how dynamic it can be in terms of use cases,' he says. 'We're also seeing increased interest in pairing cold with breathwork and mindfulness, not just for performance but for emotional regulation and resilience. The perfect tool to fit stress management into personal or professional life.'
