Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body

Andrew Huberman, host of the world’s leading health and science podcast Huberman Lab and neuroscientist and professor at Stanford School of Medicine, presents an essential guide to improving brain function, enhancing mood and energy, optimizing bodily health and physical performance, and rewiring your nervous system to learn new skills and behaviors that can positively transform your life.

The power of your physiology can be harnessed in two complementary ways: First, through a set of foundational behaviors—core practices that substantially improve your day-to-day mental and physical state. Second, through specific science-based tools you can use to overcome common challenges or achieve elevated levels of mental or physical performance. In this book, Dr. Huberman offers essential practices for both, called “protocols.”

These protocols can help you unlock your brain and body’s full potential across seven areas:
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Stress Control
- Nutrition
- Light
- Focus, Motivation, and Learning
- Personal Growth

For example, a simple sleep protocol includes viewing sunlight as soon as possible after waking. Another protocol uses a unique breathing pattern to reduce stress in the moment. There are also protocols for getting stronger and leaner at any age, and for allowing you to learn faster. And much more.

In his clear and engaging style, Huberman explains the science behind each protocol, then shows how they can deliver immediate, effective results. What’s more, he describes how to customize them, allowing you to adapt them to your individual needs.

Drawing on decades of research—from his own work and that of the many world experts he has interviewed over the years—Dr. Huberman delivers a comprehensive and indispensable guide to improving your mental health, physical health, and performance.

Andrew Huberman, PhD, is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and ophthalmology, and, by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. He has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function, and neural plasticity. His laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine has published work in top journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell and in top media outlets like the BBC, Time, Scientific American, and Discover. Huberman is a McKnight Foundation and Pew Foundation Fellow and was awarded the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Cogan Award in 2017, given to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision. In 2021, Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast, which consistently ranks as the top health and fitness podcast in the world and has consistently ranked in the top 10 podcasts, globally.