The perfect biohack: reading for the mind, kindness for the soul
#1 Newsletter - Vanessa Bertinotti
If you've been following me for a while, you know I love biohacking, but today I want to talk to you about a powerful combination that is often underestimated.
It’s not about a new supplement or a complex routine, but rather two tools that, when used together, can transform your brain, emotional state, and even your longevity:
📖 Reading, to strengthen the mind. Reading changes your perspective on the world!
🤲 Kindness, to nourish both the soul and the body.
👉 Two free biohacks, accessible to everyone and scientifically proven.
Reading is not just a pastime; it’s a true cognitive workout.
Every time we open a book, our brain creates new neural connections, strengthens memory and concentration, and stimulates critical thinking.
MRI scans have shown that reading increases brain connectivity in ways no other stimulus can replicate. Moreover, studies have proven that regular readers experience 32% slower cognitive decline and have a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
But that’s not all. Reading also has a profound impact on our emotional state:
👉 Reduces stress – Just 6 minutes of reading can lower cortisol levels by up to 68%.
👉 Improves sleep – Reading a book before bed helps the brain relax much more than evening scrolling.
👉 Boosts empathy – Immersing ourselves in other people’s stories makes us more open and sensitive, helping us better understand the world.
Kindness: the invisible biohack that transforms the body
Did you know that being kind can extend your lifespan? Research shows that kindness and gratitude have a direct impact on telomeres, the structures that protect our DNA from aging. Practicing kindness regularly helps slow down cellular aging, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen the immune system.
But what does this have to do with reading? Every time we read a story about altruism, compassion, or personal growth, our brain responds by releasing oxytocin, the social bonding hormone. This makes us more likely to be kind—not just to others, but also to ourselves.
How to apply these two biohacks in daily life
📚 Choose books that inspire you – Stories of personal growth, autobiographies, and deep novels that explore empathy and transformation.
💬 Put what you learn into practice – If a book resonates with you, share a reflection with someone, send a kind message, or do a small act of kindness.
🙏 Cultivate gratitude – Every evening, write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple exercise shifts your brain chemistry, enhancing mental well-being.
📌 This Week's Book Recommendation
If you want to explore the connection between kindness, epigenetics, and longevity, I recommend "The Biology of Kindness" by Daniel Lumera and Immacolata De Vivo. An enlightening read on how small daily gestures can literally transform our body and mind.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Immaculata De Vivo in 2023 on episode 104 of my podcast "Salute e Biohacking", titled "The Biology of Kindness." This episode is in Italian, but you can enable English subtitles in the settings on YouTube.
Reading and kindness are two powerful biohacks. When used together, they become a true elixir of well-being.
Stay connected, keep an open mind, and stay grounded.
See you soon,
Vanessa