Rhodiola rosea
Adaptogen taken before effort to blunt fatigue
Root extract at around 100-400mg, typically on an empty stomach before exercise or a hard morning, used to reduce the perception of effort and buffer cortisol during stressful periods. Human trials are mixed but generally favorable for fatigue. It can be stimulating enough to disturb sleep if taken late.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Layne NortonDoes it
Nutrition scientist and powerlifter · Biolayne
Puts rhodiola in his second tier and says his own experience is that combining it with caffeine smooths the caffeine out and softens the comedown. He is careful to add that the research is still young and he wants more of it.
Source: Huberman Lab: The Science of Eating for Health, Fat Loss & Lean Muscle - Stacy SimsDoes it
Exercise physiologist · Women Are Not Small Men
The third item in the pre-bed routine she says travels with her, taken about half an hour before she wants to be asleep. She adds that she leans on adaptogens during stretches of stress, strain and reduced sleep.
Source: Dr Stacy Sims: Why Jet Lag Hits Women Harder - Andrew HubermanRecommends
Neuroscientist · Huberman Lab
Frames rhodiola before training as a way to blunt the perception of effort and buffer cortisol, particularly on tired days.
Source: Huberman Lab: Science-Supported Tools to Accelerate Your Fitness Goals
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under energy or stress.
- Protocol$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Deliberate cold exposure
Cold showers or ice baths used deliberately, usually a few minutes at a time
On record from 25 of 62 tracked people: 19 do it, 6 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily walking
A long walk most days, often without headphones
On record from 19 of 62 tracked people: 14 do it, 5 recommend it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
Breathwork
Structured breathing sessions to shift the nervous system up or down
On record from 7 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 has discussed it - Protocol$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Running
Regular running, from a short daily loop up to ultramarathon distance
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 5 do it, 1 recommends it - Protocol$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Swimming
Lap swimming as low-impact cardio and a reset for the head
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 6 do it - Habit$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Cooking family dinner
Making the evening meal from scratch as the default, kids in the kitchen
On record from 1 of 62 tracked people: 1 does it
Supplement entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.