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Ben Greenfield's Daily Routine: Biohacking Secrets for Peak Performance

Ben Greenfield

Biohacker, Fitness Expert, and Author

Ben Greenfield is a human performance consultant, exercise physiologist, and New York Times bestselling author. He combines cutting-edge science with ancestral wisdom to optimize health, longevity, and performance.

Physical PerformanceMental ClarityLongevityFamily Time

Discover the meticulously crafted daily routine of renowned biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield. From optimized sleep to cutting-edge workout techniques, learn how Ben maximizes his physical and mental performance through a combination of science-backed strategies and holistic wellness practices.

Ben Greenfield - Morning Optimization Ritual

Ben's morning routine is designed to kickstart his day with optimal physical and mental performance.

04:30 AM - 09:15 AM

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Natural Wake-Up

Ben wakes up naturally, avoiding artificial stimulation.

β€œThe way you wake up each day and your morning routine dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life.”

Ben Greenfield's day begins with a gentle, natural awakening between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. This approach aligns with the body's circadian rhythm, promoting better overall health and energy levels throughout the day.

Ben's Wake-Up Routine:

  • Removes his SleepMaster sleep mask, which helps achieve deep sleep throughout the night
  • Turns off calming Brain.FM sleep sounds
  • Takes off comfortable SleepPhones
  • Removes the DeltaSleeper device, which supports deep sleep cycles

Ben's expert tip: "Avoid bright lights and loud noises immediately upon waking. Let your body adjust gently to the new day, setting a peaceful tone for optimal performance."

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Oral Care and Hydration

Ben follows a thorough oral care routine and hydrates with a nutrient-rich drink.

β€œYour mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Prioritize oral care and proper hydration as part of your daily wellness routine.”

Ben's morning begins with meticulous oral care followed by strategic hydration.

Oral Care Steps:

  1. Face wash
  2. Use of the Dirt Tongue Scraper
  3. Oil pulling with Dirt Oil Pulling Mouthwash
  4. Thorough gargling
  5. Shaving (if necessary)
  6. Application of Alitura toner, lotion, and clay mask

Hydration Protocol:

  • Large glass of water enriched with:
    • Hydrogen H2 tabs
    • Quinton minerals
    • Jigsaw Adrenal Cocktail

Ben's expert tip: "Don't rush your oral care routine. Take the time to be thorough – it's an investment in your overall health and well-being."

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Morning Stretching and Coffee Prep

Ben engages in stretching and prepares his morning coffee or tea.

β€œMovement snacks throughout the day, starting with morning stretches, are like deposits in your physical and mental health bank account.”

Ben combines gentle movement with coffee preparation to kickstart his day.

Stretching Routine:

  • Use of a textured foam roller
  • Light breathwork
  • Bouncing on a mini trampoline
  • Performed in front of a Biocharger or in sunlight

Coffee Preparation:

Ben alternates between:

  • Kion coffee
  • MiCacao tea
  • Four Sigmatic Mushrooms

Ben's expert tip: "While the water is boiling for your morning brew, take a moment to connect with nature. I often step outside barefoot, practicing earthing to ground myself for the day ahead."

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Prayer and Health Testing

Ben combines spiritual practices with biohacking techniques to start his day.

β€œSpiritual health is just as important as physical health. Combining prayer with biometric testing gives me a holistic view of my well-being each morning.”

Ben integrates spiritual practices with health monitoring to start his day.

Spiritual Practice:

  • Prayer and Bible reading

Health Testing Protocol:

  1. Strap on a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor
  2. Perform a 5-minute measurement using the NatureBeat app to assess:
    • Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
    • Nervous system readiness
    • Stress levels

Ben's expert tip: "Use your morning health metrics as a guide for the day. If your HRV is lower than usual, consider adjusting your workout intensity or prioritizing recovery activities."

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Early Morning Work Session

Ben starts his workday with a focused writing and research session.

β€œThe early morning hours, when the world is still quiet, are golden for deep, focused work. It's when I do my best writing and thinking.”

Ben dedicates this time to focused, uninterrupted work.

Work Session Structure:

  • 60-90 minutes of writing or research
  • Light morning reading (blogs, research articles)
  • Avoids email, social media, and potential stressors

Coffee Consumption:

Ben follows a unique coffee rotation:

  • 3 weeks caffeinated
  • 1 week decaf

Ben's expert tip: "Keep a notepad nearby for any distracting thoughts or ideas. Quickly jot them down and return to your focused work. This 'brain dump' technique helps maintain deep focus while ensuring valuable ideas aren't lost."

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Family Meditation and Quality Time

Ben engages in a family meditation session and spends quality time with his children.

β€œFamily time isn't just about being present; it's about creating meaningful connections and shared experiences that foster growth and love.”

Ben prioritizes family connection and mindfulness in his morning routine.

Family Activities:

  • Morning meditation using the Spiritual Disciplines Journal
  • Quality time with his two boys before they head to the bus stop
  • Discussions about sleep, dreams, breakfast, and the day's activities

Ben's expert tip: "Use this time to really connect with your kids. Ask open-ended questions about their thoughts and feelings. This not only strengthens your bond but also helps develop their emotional intelligence."

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Morning Workout and Recovery

Ben engages in a varied workout routine followed by recovery practices.

β€œMovement is medicine. By varying your workouts and incorporating strategic recovery, you're not just exercising – you're investing in your long-term health and performance.”

Ben's morning workout routine varies throughout the week:

Workout Rotation:

DayActivity
Monday & FridayYoga with breath work and elevation training mask
Tuesday & ThursdayInfrared sauna, Kundalini yoga, warrior breathing
WednesdayFull body foam rolling and inversion table session
Saturday & SundayNasal breathing walk or kettlebell walk

Recovery Practices:

  • Cold water swim or shower (55-60Β°F) for 5 minutes
  • Application of Ancient Minerals magnesium lotion
  • Use of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for skin health

Ben's expert tip: "Don't underestimate the power of breathwork in your workouts. Proper breathing techniques can enhance performance, reduce stress, and improve recovery. Experiment with different patterns to find what works best for you."

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Nutrient-Dense Breakfast

Ben prepares and enjoys a nutrient-packed green smoothie.

β€œYour first meal sets the tone for your metabolic health throughout the day. Make it count with nutrient density and healthy fats.”

Ben's breakfast consists of a carefully crafted green smoothie:

Green Smoothie Ingredients:

  • Large bunch of greens (kale, spinach, bok choy, or mustard greens)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or thyme)
  • Half an avocado (or whole for high-calorie days)
  • 4-6 oz of BPA-free full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons each of organic cacao powder and cinnamon
  • 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
  • 20-30g of clean protein powder
  • 2 teaspoons of organic collagen hydrolysate
  • Handful of nuts, cacao nibs, and unsweetened coconut flakes

Ben's expert tip: "Blend your smoothie for about 60 seconds to maintain texture. The thickness aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer."

Ben Greenfield - Focused Work and Productivity

Ben's work routine emphasizes deep focus and efficient task management.

09:45 AM - 02:00 PM

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Team Huddle and Focused Work

Ben conducts a team meeting and engages in focused work sessions.

β€œEffective teamwork and focused individual effort are the twin engines of productivity. Balance both for optimal results.”

Ben's work routine combines team collaboration with intense individual focus:

Work Session Structure:

  • Daily huddle with the Ben Greenfield Life team
  • Use of a Kineon red light wrap-around device during the first 20 minutes of office work
  • Focused work on writing, research, and content creation
  • Strategic breaks to maintain high energy levels and mental clarity

Ben's expert tip: "Multitask smartly by incorporating biohacking techniques into your work routine. Red light therapy during a team meeting or while answering emails is an efficient way to boost both your health and productivity."

Ben Greenfield - Afternoon Rejuvenation and Productivity

Ben's afternoon routine focuses on nutrition, recovery, and family time.

02:00 PM - 05:30 PM

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Nutrient-Dense Lunch

Ben prepares and enjoys a low-calorie, nutrient-dense lunch.

β€œLunch is not just a meal; it's an opportunity to nourish your body with high-quality nutrients that fuel your afternoon performance.”

Ben's lunch is carefully crafted to provide maximum nutrition without excess calories:

Typical Lunch Components:

Lunch Presentation:

Ben often wraps his lunch mix in:

Accompanying Drink:

Ben pairs his lunch with either:

Research has shown that low-calorie, nutrient-dense meals can support cognitive function and maintain steady energy levels throughout the afternoon. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in Ben's lunch helps stabilize blood sugar and promote satiety.

Ben's expert tip: "Don't be afraid to get creative with your lunch. Experimenting with different nutrient-dense ingredients keeps your meals interesting and ensures you're getting a wide range of micronutrients."

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Biohacked Power Nap

Ben takes a strategically optimized power nap to recharge for the afternoon.

β€œA well-timed, optimized nap is like a reset button for your brain, boosting creativity, productivity, and overall cognitive function.”

Ben's post-lunch nap is a science-backed routine designed for maximum rejuvenation:

Nap Setup:

  1. Unfold and plug in the Biomat on the floor
  2. Use the Brain.FM napping app or set the SleepStream app to "Power Nap" mode
  3. Put on the SleepMaster wraparound sleep mask

Nap Duration:

15-20 minutes

Research has shown that short power naps can improve alertness, cognitive performance, and mood. The use of specific sound frequencies (like those in Brain.FM) has been associated with faster onset of sleep and improved sleep quality.

Ben's expert tip: "Consistency is key with napping. Try to nap at the same time each day to train your body to quickly enter a restful state, maximizing the benefits of even a short sleep period."

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Afternoon Energy Boost

Ben engages in activities to regain energy and focus for the rest of the day.

β€œThe afternoon slump is a choice, not a necessity. With the right practices, you can maintain high energy levels throughout the entire day.”

Ben uses a variety of techniques to boost his afternoon energy:

Energy-Boosting Activities:

Studies have shown that cold water immersion can increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and potentially boost the immune system. The Tibetan longevity exercises, a series of five simple movements, are believed to improve energy flow and overall vitality.

Ben's expert tip: "Rotate through different energy-boosting activities to keep your routine fresh and engaging. This variety not only prevents boredom but also ensures you're stimulating your body and mind in different ways."

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Afternoon Work Session

Ben focuses on reactive work tasks and communications.

β€œThe afternoon is perfect for tackling communication and administrative tasks. Save your peak creative hours for deep work, and use this time to connect and manage.”

Ben's afternoon work session is structured to handle various administrative and communication tasks:

Afternoon Work Activities:

  • Taking phone calls
  • Responding to emails
  • Handling administrative duties
  • Paying bills and opening mail
  • Responding to social media and blog comments

Research in productivity and chronobiology suggests that the early afternoon can be an ideal time for tasks requiring social interaction and routine decision-making, as opposed to deep, creative work.

Ben's expert tip: "Batch similar tasks together in your afternoon work session. For example, handle all your emails at once, then move on to phone calls. This approach minimizes context switching and improves overall efficiency."

Ben Greenfield - Family Time and Evening Wind-Down

Ben's evening routine focuses on family activities, nutrition, and preparing for restful sleep.

05:30 PM - 10:00 PM

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Family Fitness Activities

Ben engages in active play and workouts with his family.

β€œFamily fitness isn't just about staying healthy together; it's about creating lasting memories and teaching lifelong habits.”

Ben's evening routine starts with family-oriented physical activities:

Family Fitness Options:

  • Tennis or pickleball
  • Walking or hiking
  • Playful bodyweight workouts with kids
  • Pool workouts

Bodyweight Workout Examples:

  • Backward and forward crabwalks with a child riding on Ben's waist
  • Overhead child presses combined with squats
  • Bear crawls and pushups with a child on Ben's back
  • Arm curls holding a child upside down by their legs

Pool Workout Examples:

  • Underwater swims
  • Doggy paddles
  • Pool pullouts
  • Treading water (all with a child on Ben's back)

Research shows that family exercise can improve not only physical health but also family bonding, children's self-esteem, and the establishment of lifelong healthy habits.

Ben's expert tip: "Make fitness fun for kids by turning exercises into games or challenges. This not only gets them moving but also creates positive associations with physical activity."

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Family Learning and Dinner Preparation

Ben leads a family book review session and involves everyone in dinner preparation.

β€œDinnertime is more than just about food; it's an opportunity for learning, connection, and creating family traditions.”

Ben's pre-dinner routine combines education and culinary activities:

Family Book Review:

  • Daily review of a new book chapter with his sons
  • Encourages discussion and critical thinking

Collaborative Dinner Preparation:

  • Whole family participates in cooking
  • Focus on healthy, whole food ingredients
  • Teaching kids about nutrition and cooking skills

Pre-Dinner Rituals:

  • Family sings a pre-dinner song
  • Group prayer before the meal

Studies have shown that regular family dinners can improve children's academic performance, reduce the risk of substance abuse, and enhance family communication and bonding.

Ben's expert tip: "Use dinner preparation as a teaching moment. Explain the nutritional benefits of ingredients, demonstrate cooking techniques, and let kids take on age-appropriate tasks to build their confidence in the kitchen."

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Family Dinner and Games

Ben and his family enjoy a nutritious dinner accompanied by engaging conversation and games.

β€œA family that eats together, grows together. Make mealtime a sacred space for connection, laughter, and nourishment - both physical and emotional.”

Ben's family dinner is a time for nourishment and connection:

Typical Dinner Components:

  • Vegetable or salad
  • High-quality protein (meat or fish)
  • Complex carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, or beets)

Dinner Activities:

  • Engaging dinner games
  • Lively conversations
  • Sharing of daily experiences

Healthy Dessert Options:

  • Homemade ice cream
  • Dark chocolate mixed with yogurt
  • Frozen blueberries with dark chocolate

Research indicates that regular family dinners can lead to better dietary intake, improved family relationships, and positive psychosocial outcomes in children and adolescents.

Ben's expert tip: "Create a 'no devices at the dinner table' rule to ensure genuine connection. Use conversation starters or games to engage everyone and make dinnertime something the whole family looks forward to."

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Evening Wind-Down Routine

Ben and his family engage in relaxing activities to prepare for bedtime.

β€œThe key to a productive morning is a restful evening. Create a wind-down routine that signals to your body and mind that it's time to relax and prepare for rejuvenating sleep.”

Ben's evening wind-down routine focuses on relaxation and family bonding:

Wind-Down Activities:

  • Family cleanup of the kitchen
  • Guitar practice session
  • Occasional yard games (cornhole, bocce ball)

Bedtime Routine with Kids:

Adult Wind-Down:

  • Casual reading
  • Quality time with wife, Jessa

Studies have shown that consistent bedtime routines can improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Engaging in relaxing activities before bed helps signal to the body that it's time to wind down, promoting better sleep onset and quality.

Ben's expert tip: "Consistency is key in a bedtime routine. Try to stick to the same sequence of activities each night, as this helps regulate your body's internal clock and improve sleep quality over time."

Ben Greenfield - Sleep Optimization Protocol

Ben's meticulous sleep routine designed to maximize rest and recovery.

09:30 PM - 04:30 AM

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Sleep Environment Preparation

Ben prepares his bedroom for optimal sleep conditions.

β€œYour sleep environment is the foundation of good sleep. Optimize it, and you're halfway to a night of restorative rest.”

Ben's sleep preparation involves careful attention to environmental factors:

Lighting:

  • Use of halogen and incandescent bulbs only
  • Avoidance of dimmers due to high EMF
  • Closing of blackout curtains for complete darkness

Temperature Control:

  • Setting ChiliPad to 60 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Adjusting room temperature to 66-67 degrees Fahrenheit

EMF Mitigation:

Research has shown that a cool, dark, and quiet environment is crucial for quality sleep. The optimal sleep temperature is typically between 60-67Β°F (15-19Β°C), as it helps the body's core temperature drop, signaling that it's time to sleep.

Ben's expert tip: "Invest in high-quality blackout curtains and consider using blue light blocking devices in the evening to support your body's natural melatonin production."

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Pre-Sleep Biohacking Routine

Ben employs various biohacking techniques to enhance sleep quality.

β€œSleep is the ultimate biohack. Optimize it, and you optimize your entire life.”

Ben's pre-sleep routine incorporates several biohacking techniques:

Sleep Enhancement Devices:

Muscle and Skin Care:

Sleep Accessories:

Studies have shown that magnesium can improve sleep quality by regulating the nervous system and helping to relax muscles. PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, used in devices like the DeltaSleeper, has been associated with improved sleep onset and duration in some research.

Ben's expert tip: "Layer your sleep optimization techniques. While each method might offer a small improvement, the cumulative effect can be significant. Experiment to find the combination that works best for you."

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Sleep Onset and Maintenance

Ben uses specific techniques to fall asleep quickly and maintain deep sleep throughout the night.

β€œThe quality of your sleep directly influences the quality of your waking life. Prioritize it, protect it, and watch every aspect of your life improve.”

Ben employs several strategies to ensure rapid sleep onset and maintenance of deep sleep:

Sleep Onset Techniques:

  • Using the Sleepstream app in "Deep Sleep" mode
  • Alternatively, playing a Brain.FM sleep track through SleepPhones
  • Practicing 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8)

Deep Sleep Maintenance:

  • Continuous use of the DeltaSleeper PEMF device throughout the night
  • Maintaining a cool sleeping environment with the ChiliPad
  • Complete darkness ensured by the Sleepmaster sleep mask

Sleep Cycle Considerations:

  • Aiming for 5-6 complete 90-minute sleep cycles
  • Waking naturally without an alarm, usually between 4:30 and 5:00 AM

Research has demonstrated that specific sound frequencies, like those used in Brain.FM, can enhance sleep onset and quality. The 4-7-8 breathing technique has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep.

Ben's expert tip: "If you wake up during the night, resist the urge to check the time. This can create anxiety and make it harder to fall back asleep. Instead, focus on your breathing and trust in your sleep routine."

Ben Greenfield's Routine: Q&A