Feeling like there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your list of responsibilities? Stuck in a creative rut with a deadline looming? Wishing you could find the right words to express a complicated idea to the rest of the people on your team? We’ve all been there, and while most people have a few things that usually work to move them out of their mind funk and into a great place for getting things done, sometimes everyone is left wanting…more.
New Hope with Nootropics
For some, exercise or meditation does the trick. For others, a quick cup of coffee or nutrient-dense snack can shake the cobwebs out, if only for a moment. However, with a view to boosting brainpower, people are increasingly turning to specially engineered supplements known as nootropics to gain a mental edge. But what exactly are these magic pills, and how can you tell the beneficial offerings from snake oil? Today our team is here to help, with the low down on all things nootropic help you decide which supplements are right for you.
Understand Nootropics
First and foremost, let’s be clear about what these supplements are: also known as “smart drugs”, nootropics aim to boost your cognitive function. Often these substances are aimed at enhancing a specific function, such as memory or concentration. In general a nootropic will act to preserve the natural function and structure of neurons, and pose no harm to the body. Some nootropic substances, like ginseng and St. John’s Wort, occur naturally. Others are synthesized, either based on naturally occurring compounds or neurological and pharmaceutical research. In either case, the key fact for you as a new nootropics user is an understanding that these supplements are not going to give you instant amazing powers to solve complex equations or negotiate a hostage crisis.
Choosing Nootropics for Yourself
There are scores of tutorials all over the Internet offering advice for those new to the world of nootropics. And, while the paths you could take on this new adventure are countless, there are a few questions to ask yourself before setting out to build your first “stack”, including:
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What are your strengths? One direction for nootropic supplementation is to build on your strong suits.
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What areas need improvement? The other primary option is to take supplements to compensate for weaker areas.
Do some research and figure out which compounds are more likely to meet your needs, and as with much in life, remember that moderation is the key. Experts recommend you start with individual supplements so you can learn the impact they have on you and fine-tune the nutrients you’re using to get the best effects.
Common Nootropics for Newbies
Some brain-boosting supplements are commonly recommended to those starting out on their nootropic journey, because they’ve been tried and tested the world over, in some cases for centuries. Caffeine and L-theanine, for example, are commonly recommended and taken together – they’re also commonly found in coffee and green tea, two things you’ve quite likely consumed. Taking these at a 1:2 ratio is said to have the best effect, boosting alertness and general function without the harsh jittery feeling too much coffee can create. Other popular nootropics for beginners include racetams, which are synthetic stimulant compounds.
In general, as you start learning more about nootropics it’s good to be patient as some compounds don’t offer full effects for two weeks or longer. And, of course, be realistic with your expectations.