Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body

From Andrew Huberman, host of the world’s leading health podcast Huberman Lab, comes an essential guide to improving brain function, optimizing your physical health and performance, enhancing mood and energy, rewiring your nervous system, and more.

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 targeted behaviors—specific tools you can use to overcome common challenges. In this book, Andrew Huberman brings both together in a set of essential “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 single 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.

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 experts he has interviewed over the years—Huberman delivers a comprehensive and indispensable guide to help you improve your mental health, physical health, and performance. This book will transform your life.

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, 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.

Dr. 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, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. The podcast is often ranked in the global top ten and regularly ranks #1 in the categories of Science, Education, and Health & Fitness.