With all of life’s distractions getting in the way, humans now have shorter attention spans than goldfish.
If you’re finding it difficult to focus, you’re not alone. This inability to block out the world and work for long periods of time can make it almost impossible to start that business, write that novel, or thrive at work.
That’s why more and more people are turning to nootropics. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what nootropics are, how they work, and how to use nootropics for motivation
Ready? Let’s get started.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics are compounds that increase brain function. Basically, they help you focus, think more clearly, and can give you more energy.
Known as ‘smart drugs,’ nootropics are used to help people function and think at a higher level.
Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the name ‘nootropics’ back in 1972. His goal was to find a drug that would help humans evolve. He created five guidelines that classify nootropics:
- Non-toxic with little (or no) side effects
- Enhanced wakefulness
- Protecting the brain from damage
- Reducing distraction
- Improving learning and memory.
Today, nootropics are experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in places like Silicon Valley.
Why Take Nootropics?
It’s important to remember that nootropics may not be perfect for everyone. Even substances that are produced naturally can have side effects. But many have been proven to be non-addictive and safe.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to try nootropics:
No More Brain Fog
Are you having trouble articulating your words? Maybe you’re finding it difficult to remember things? You may not be able to think clearly, or perhaps you have issues making decisions.
This is brain fog. It can be caused by many different things, including nutritional deficiency, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and more.
Nootropics help improve blood flow to your brain. With increased blood flow, you have more oxygen and nutrients in your brain, helping increase the way it functions.
Enhanced Focus
If you’re easily distracted, you’ll likely notice that this impacts your productivity. And if you work for yourself, this can mean a hit to your wallet.
When your brain is functioning at peak performance, you have the best chance of succeeding. Nootropics make it possible for you to focus on one thing for long periods of time. You’re less likely to end up watching YouTube or chatting on Facebook when you need to be working.
More Energy
If you wish you were less tired and you had more energy, nootropics can help. Some have been approved by the FDA to treat people with narcolepsy and are used to combat jetlag.
Some nootropics can even help you get more sleep. For example, melatonin is considered by some to be a nootropic as it allows you to regulate your sleep for peak performance.
The Best Nootropics for Motivation
Now that you can see some of the ways nootropics can help you, it’s time to look at the different types. Keep in mind that not all nootropics function in the same way, and the way they work will vary depending on your body.
Here are the best nootropics to try:
Modafinil
Modafinil is well-known amongst entrepreneurs and is proven to be effective in increasing cognition without serious side effects.
This drug was created in a lab and is used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.
While modafinil enhances dopamine release, it binds to your receptors differently, meaning it doesn’t cause withdrawal or addiction symptoms. You can expect Modafinil to increase your wakefulness, problem-solving, and focus.
Modafinil is a prescription drug, but if you’re having trouble focusing, talk to your doctor about Modafinil.
Doses vary from 50mg to 200mg. Start low and be sure to take Modafinil first thing in the morning or you’ll be up all night.
Racetams
There are dozens of compounds in the racetam family, including a few nootropics. Piracetam is one of them, and it improves short and long-term memory. It does this by protecting the membranes in your brain cells and making your brain process glucose more efficiently.
Aniracetam is similar in potency, only it has a higher potency and isn’t as long-lasting. It’s often prescribed to treat cognitive disorders and to improve memory function.
Phenylpiracetam is another nootropic in this family, and it’s thought to improve learning and memory while lowering feelings of anxiety and depression.
L-Theanine
You’ve probably heard of L-Theanine and it’s considered to be a natural nootropic, even though it’s an amino acid.
It has stress-reducing and anxiolytic properties and can help give you a clean boost of energy. It’s a major component in both green and black teas and works well when taken with caffeine. Together, L-Theanine and caffeine help increase mental endurance, memory, and reaction time.
Bacopa
Bacopa is a small plant from India. It works by making it easier for your body to adapt to stress. In healthy adults, it helps improve memory, and for people over 65, it can enhance mood and attention.
Scientists are still figuring out how Bacopa works, but they do know that it’ll take around four weeks before you feel its effects. If you decide to try it, give it a month and see how you feel.
Wrapping up
Have you got a big project you want to launch, a book you want to write, or an amazing business idea? The above nootropics for motivation can help. If you do choose to try nootropics, be sure to take it slow, be prepared for side effects, and talk to a doctor.
It’s also important to understand that nootropics aren’t miracle drugs. While they improve brain function, they’re not going to change your personality. They’ll simply help you be your best, most focused and productive self.
Hoping to improve your life in other ways this year as well? Check out some of our great lifestyle blog posts today.
