Forethought is the antidote to impulsivity.
– Nir Eyal
Ironically, as I type this blog post, I am resisting the incessant urge to turn my attention elsewhere. I would guess that many of you can relate. In our modern-day era of texts, emails, calendar reminders, and the ability to scroll social media 24/7, we are being asked to shift our attention constantly, all day long.
While there is some disagreement about how long our attention spans actually are, there is certainly anecdotal evidence to support the claims that we are becoming an increasingly distracted society. Or perhaps, as one article suggests, “our brains still work. They’re just stressed out.” (P.S. We have some tips for that too)
Attention and focus are not just important for being productive at work or school. They enhance our ability to release stress, engage with loved ones, and learn new things. They help us interact with our environment and experience the world more vividly. Focus equals being present. And it’s more achievable than you might think. Here are our favorite methods for optimizing focus.
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Get More Brain Boosting Nutrients (available at all B12 LOVE lounges)
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (available in an IM injection, IV drip, or oral supplement)
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural compound that is widely known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As it relates to the brain, ALA has been shown to protect and enhance cognitive function. Specifically, it improves endothelial function and blood flow, reverses age-related neurotransmitter loss, and accelerates glutathione synthesis.
- Taurine (available in an IM injection, IV drip, or oral supplement)
Taurine is one of the most plentiful amino acids found in the brain. Because taurine is used in energy drinks like Red Bull, it is often mistakenly assumed to have a buzzy, caffeine-like effect on the body (not ideal if you want to focus). In fact, taurine is more likely to have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, data suggest that taurine can improve cognitive function through multiple mechanisms.
- NAD+ (available in an IM injection, IV drip, or oral supplement)
NAD+ (short for Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial co-factor that has a plethora of benefits, not the least of which is that it is linked to improving neuroplasticity and producing serotonin. This translates to enhanced mental clarity and concentration, improved memory, elevated mood, and deeper sleep.
- Vitamin B12 (available in an IM injection, IV drip, or oral supplement)
Clients that suffer from brain fog and lack of focus notice a significant brain boost when they supplement with vitamin B12 and other B vitamins. Not only does it help combat anemia, but it is crucial for well-functioning nervous and immune systems.
Meditate
Meditation is an ancient practice that engages the mind by bringing an increased awareness to thought and feeling. Even as little as 13 minutes of meditation per day has been shown to have positive effects on attention, memory, mood, and other cognitive functions.
Sleep
We’ve all learned the hard way that a lack of sleep negatively affects our ability to focus. Unfortunately, there is no pill or quick fix to make up for the damaging cognitive and physical effects of chronic sleep deprivation.
Hydrate
Did you know that even mild dehydration can lead to problems concentrating, moodiness, and fatigue? Enhanced focus and concentration is one of many reasons why we LOVE (and built a business around) keeping people hydrated.
Warm Up
Our brain is a muscle. So, just like you would want to warm up before a workout, warming up our brain (Translation: ramping up our neurochemicals) to get into a focused state is equally as important. This is a trial and error process, so find what works best for you. Maybe it’s responding to 2-3 quick emails, doing a crossword puzzle, or reading a news article before starting the task at hand.
If you want to take a deeper dive into these and other tools to enhance focus, we recommend listening to Andrew Huberman’s podcast or reading the book “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal.
Got questions or want some brain boosting nutrients? Book an appointment at a B12 LOVE Lounge closest to you… or send us a message via Email, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
