Lucid Biorhythmic Cadence Theory
This theory isn’t going to say much that hasn’t already been said.
What it seeks to do is to unify different paradigms of thought under one powerful idea: if we can develop a more lucid, elevated and intuitive baseline awareness of our a) psychological states b) neurological/neurochemical functions and c) physiological conditions, we can operate with an elevated and fluid stream of conscious capability that enhances our engagements with any challenging activity.
More specifically, this theory posits that we can better enable (or make use of) our neuro-physiological potential if we synchronize all systems into something of an entangled network, paying deep attention to the interconnectedness of all variables at play (say, neurochemical deployments correlative to physical responses).
Our actions (internal to external) and reactions (external to internal) set a pace for our physical and psychological statures, leveraging the plasticity of our neural structures to effectuate baseline modalities of not only awareness, but of performative output as well.
All in all, it’ll be evidenced that a lucid awareness of these states and cycles, of understanding them as a biorhythmic cadence in lockstep with one another, can bring about a tremendously symbiotic optimization across all of our systems — mental, physical, neurological.
This categorical enhancement is real, supported (not undermined) by placebo, and quantifiable — as will be demonstrated in future efforts under this theory.
There are three generalized assumptions atop which this hypothesis operates:
- The activities and states of minds we undertake have effectuations upon our brains from a neurological angle (say, in our neurochemical deployments and under the general premise of neuroplasticity).
- These neurological states and functions rhythmically cycle back to our psychological and physical responsivity (anything from focus and motivation levels to increased physical endurance or stamina).
- The evolution of all systems — of the brain (i.e. plasticity), of the body (i.e. physical conditioning), and of consciousness (i.e. motivations or ambitions) — is optimal when symbiotically coordinated; potential exponentiates when these are optimized in unison.
In other words, it’s all an aggregating torrid loop involving i) our mind and our conscious awareness; ii) our brain and our neurological responsivity; iii) our body and our physiological conditioning.
The more we consider the ways by which our hardware and software inter-relate, the more we can enable their respective performance.
Example 1: Confidence & Dopamine
Consider the role and function of confidence.
The sense of accomplishment associated with achieving any given challenging task will trigger dopamine deployment in the brain, which reinforces behaviours that lead to that same sense of reward, making it more likely for a person to engage in that behaviour again.
Ergo, tasks which cultivate confidence will produce dopamine responsivity which, if we subscribe to even the most basic assumptions of neuroplasticity, creates habit-forming patterns that seek to ensure the continuity of this causal chain.
Conversely, apathy and a lack of motivation will lead to decreased dopamine activity, as the brain isn’t receiving the same level of reward and pleasure from sensing accomplishments, amidst a non-existent confidence level that doesn’t contribute towards any meaningful gains — psychological, neurological or physical.
Ultimately, confidence can have a significant impact on dopamine levels, and dopamine itself plays a critical role in reinforcing behavior associated with cultivating further confidence and maintaining motivation. These elements, taken together, would of course have drastic implications for physical conditioning and/or output (say, an athlete who is motivated to train, finds pleasure in doing so and benefits from achieving the difficult tasks that they set out to achieve).
The biorhythmic cadence of our physical, psychological, and neurological states are all correlative — and our lucid awareness of how confidence pulsates through our coordinated evolution ensures that all facets of this evolution are
Further, GPT-assisted insights on this point:
- Dopamine can improve focus and concentration during exercise by increasing the activity in certain areas of the brain that are associated with attention and focus, such as the prefrontal cortex. This can help us to block out distractions and focus more fully on the task at hand, which can be particularly beneficial during high-intensity workouts or endurance activities.
- Dopamine can reduce fatigue and increase endurance during exercise by affecting the brain’s perception of effort. Specifically, dopamine can decrease the perceived level of effort required to perform a physical activity, making it feel easier and more manageable.
- Dopamine can decrease the activity of inhibitory neurons in the brain that contribute to feelings of fatigue, which can allow us to maintain our exercise performance for longer.
- Risk-taking: Dopamine can also impact our willingness to take risks. When dopamine levels are high, we are more likely to take risks and pursue opportunities that we might have otherwise avoided. This can lead to an increase in our confidence levels as we take on new challenges and achieve success.
Example 2: Doubt & Cortisol
Consider the role and function of doubt.
Cortisol is released by the adrenal gland in responding to stress, and studies have continually shown that chronically high levels of cortisol can have a concerning amount of detriments to our physical standing (weakened immune system, increase risk of cardiovascular issues, weight gain, anxiety, depression, etc.)
Specifically, when it comes to doubt, a negative or apathetic outlook can be conducive towards higher and more frequent levels of cortisol release. Undeniably, self-doubt and a sense of lacking control can exponentiate feelings of stress, fatigue, and reduced motivation, making goals seem unattainable or insurmountable.
The constant deployment of cortisol can amount to a cascade of physiological responses — impairing the formation or recovery of muscle tissue, reducing energy levels, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and contributing to a sense of risk aversion as opposed to risk tolerance.
Ergo, chronic self doubt can materialize into repeated neurochemical responses that further hinder physical and mental output. Our physical self-doubt can transcribe to the mental dimension which cycles back to intensify the neurochemical deployments as the cycle recurs.
Further, GPT-assisted insights on this point:
- Cortisol is catabolic, meaning it breaks down complex molecules like proteins into simpler ones, which can result in the breakdown of muscle tissue. This can lead to muscle weakness and reduced exercise performance.
- Chronic self-doubt can also lead to negative thought patterns and a negative outlook on life, which can further contribute to stress and cortisol release. This can create a vicious cycle, where self-doubt leads to increased cortisol levels, which in turn can make the self-doubt worse.
- High cortisol levels can impair recovery and increase the risk of injury. Cortisol can interfere with the body’s ability to repair and recover after exercise, leading to a greater risk of injury and longer recovery times.
The two examples above seek to present two incredibly specific situations (confidence/dopamine versus doubt/cortisol). There are countless other hormones (norepinephrine, adrenaline, vasopressin, etc.) that function in a countless number of combinations— the hypothetical applications are infinite in scope.
The above examples seek to depict the interrelatedness of all variables (neurological, psychological, physiological), as they should be considered, together under a comprehensive theory, amidst greater contexts as opposed to being assessed individually.
Next, two AI-Assisted case studies will be presented — one of an athlete, exemplifying a positive feedback cycle (with noradrenaline as the specified variable), and another of a soldier, exemplifying a negative feedback cycle (with cortisol again being used as the specified variable).
GPT-assisted Case Comparison:
I) An athlete, exemplifying a positive feedback cycle (with noradrenaline as the specified variable):
Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response. It is released from the adrenal glands and acts on various parts of the body to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, among other things.
For athletes, understanding and awareness of their noradrenaline levels can be useful in improving physical performance. Here are some ways that athletes can leverage their knowledge of noradrenaline:
- Pre-workout preparation: Athletes can use their knowledge of noradrenaline to prepare themselves mentally and physically before a workout or competition. They can engage in activities that increase noradrenaline levels, such as deep breathing, meditation, or listening to music, to help them get into a focused and energized state.
- Timing of training: Noradrenaline levels naturally peak in the morning, making this an optimal time for athletes to train. By scheduling workouts early in the day, athletes can take advantage of this natural boost in hormone levels to maximize their performance.
- Targeted supplementation: Some supplements, such as caffeine and tyrosine, can increase noradrenaline levels in the body. Athletes can use these supplements strategically to enhance their physical performance during training or competition.
- Mental focus: Noradrenaline is also involved in improving cognitive function and attention. Athletes can use this knowledge to improve their mental focus during training and competition by engaging in activities that stimulate noradrenaline release, such as visualization exercises, positive self-talk, or mindfulness practices.
- Recovery: Noradrenaline can also affect recovery from exercise. High levels of noradrenaline can lead to increased muscle breakdown, while lower levels can impair the body’s ability to repair and recover. Athletes can use their understanding of noradrenaline levels to design their recovery strategies, such as using targeted nutrition or rest, to optimize their recovery and avoid overtraining.
In conclusion, athletes can leverage their understanding and awareness of their noradrenaline levels to improve their physical performance in a variety of ways. By using targeted supplementation, optimizing their training schedule, and engaging in activities that stimulate noradrenaline release, athletes can maximize their performance and recovery, and ultimately achieve their athletic goals.
II) A soldier, exemplifying a negative feedback cycle (with cortisol as the specified variable):
When a soldier is in a warzone, they may constantly experience fear and anxiety due to the danger and unpredictability of the situation. This can result in the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can have a negative impact on their physical well-being over time.
High cortisol levels can have negative effects on a soldier’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to perform their duties effectively. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. Here are some ways that high cortisol levels can negatively impact a soldier:
- Impaired cognitive function: High cortisol levels have been shown to impair cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. This can be particularly problematic for soldiers who need to be able to think quickly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Increased anxiety and depression: Cortisol is known to increase feelings of anxiety and depression, which can be detrimental to a soldier’s mental health. This can make it difficult for soldiers to cope with the stresses and challenges of military life, and may even lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Reduced immunity: Cortisol is also known to suppress the immune system, making soldiers more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This can be particularly problematic in combat situations, where soldiers may be exposed to a variety of pathogens.
- Decreased physical performance: High cortisol levels can also impair physical performance, including strength, endurance, and reaction time. This can be particularly problematic for soldiers who need to be physically fit and ready to respond quickly in high-stress situations.
- Increased risk of injury: High cortisol levels have been shown to increase the risk of injury, as they can lead to muscle weakness, decreased bone density, and impaired healing. This can be particularly problematic for soldiers who are at risk of combat-related injuries.
High cortisol levels can have a variety of negative impacts on a soldier’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to perform their duties effectively. By understanding the negative effects of high cortisol levels, soldiers can take steps to manage stress and minimize the negative impact on their health and performance. This may include engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques, as well as seeking professional help if necessary.
Soldiers can leverage their understanding of their cortisol levels and deployments to improve their psychological and physiological states in several ways:
- Pre-deployment preparation: Prior to deployment, soldiers can undergo training and preparation to help them cope with the stress and challenges of deployment. This can include education on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and physical exercise, all of which can help to reduce cortisol levels.
- Monitoring cortisol levels: Soldiers can also monitor their cortisol levels during deployment to better understand their stress levels and identify potential sources of stress. This can be done through regular medical check-ups or self-monitoring techniques, such as keeping a stress diary. By understanding their cortisol levels, soldiers can better manage their stress levels and take steps to reduce them if necessary.
- Utilizing stress-reducing techniques: Soldiers can also utilize stress-reducing techniques during deployment to help reduce cortisol levels and improve their psychological and physiological states. These techniques can include physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices, all of which have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve mental and physical health.
- Support networks: Soldiers can also rely on support networks during deployment to help them cope with stress and manage their cortisol levels. This can include peer support groups, mental health professionals, and family and friends. Having a support network can help soldiers feel more connected and supported, which can help to reduce cortisol levels and improve mental and physical health.
- Post-deployment recovery: After deployment, soldiers can engage in recovery activities to help them transition back to civilian life and reduce the long-term effects of cortisol on their physical and mental health. This can include physical exercise, therapy, and other stress-reducing techniques. By taking steps to manage their cortisol levels and recover from deployment, soldiers can improve their psychological and physiological states and enhance their overall well-being.
In conclusion, soldiers can leverage their understanding of their cortisol levels and deployments to improve their psychological and physiological states. By utilizing stress-reducing techniques, monitoring cortisol levels, and relying on support networks, soldiers can better manage stress levels, reduce cortisol levels, and improve their overall well-being.
Stay up to date by subscribing via Medium or Substack — here’s a list of what’s in the pipeline with respect to this theory:
i) Adaptogenic group/self study [in progress] (ETA Spring 2023)
- A current study is in progress regarding sub-theory AAM (Aggregate Adaptpogenic Momentum) theory which seeks to unify neurological signaling and psychological awareness under an adaptogenic framework — it will serve as an effective component of this larger theory
ii) Expanding on case examples via interviews — athletes versus soldiers (ETA Summer 2023)
- Athletes may serve to exemplify the dopamine cycling effect whereas soldiers may exemplify the cortisol cycling effect (as discussed above); interviews and questionnaires will be assembled/cultivated to validate these respective cycles as much as possible
iii) Self study / testing the LBC theory specifically (ETA Fall 2023)
- A specific self study will lay the foundation for a more expansive group study, pressure testing the initial hypothesis.
iv) Group Study (Early 2023)
v) Theory Finalization (Mid 2024)
Source database:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912193/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928534/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061837/
https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/183/11-12/e535/4987918;
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08995605.2021.2018902;
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18787373/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35777076/