How to Increase Focus & Motivation

The key to consistently high performance in the gym or your favourite sport is maintaining the focus to keep at it. And keeping up confidence levels to hit challenging goals.

But after a long day at the office or in class, your mental focus and motivation to get to the gym just isn’t there. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.

Now as a member of the fitness community, you’re probably familiar with pre-workout supplements. You may have even used them yourself. But if just getting to the gym is the problem, we have some tips that may help.

An emerging class of pre-workout supplements called nootropics is being used around the world to help athletes maintain mental focus. And boost motivation. Even to get an edge over the competition.

What are Nootropics?

The word ‘nootropic’ was coined by Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea in 1972. It is derived from the Greek words nous (“mind”) and trepein (“to bend”).

Dr. Giurgea described a nootropic as having the characteristics of enhancing learning and memory. It should protect the brain while increasing natural cognitive processes. And should not be toxic, nor stimulate or depress the brain.

Nootropics are simply natural compounds derived from, or an extract of plants used to improve cognitive function.

Since nootropics were discovered by the athletic community, these natural supplements have become a popular choice for boosting the duration and intensity of workouts. And even to get an edge over the competition.

But what about simply motivation to get to the gym in the first place? Nootropics has you covered there as well. Here’s a few examples that been shown to increase motivation.

Nootropics to Boost Mental Focus and Motivation

• Artichoke Extract

  Contains a natural PDE4 inhibitor called Luteolin. This nootropic has been shown to boost memory and learning, improve motivation and mood, and even stimulate the growth of new neurons in your brain. Recommended daily dosage of Artichoke Extract is 900 mg.

• CDP-Choline

  Also known as Citicoline. And is a naturally occurring choline source present in every cell in your body. CDP-Choline is known to increase cognition and brain function, improve focus and motivation, and reduce fatigue. Recommended daily dosage of CDP-Choline is 250 – 500 mg.

• DHA

  An Omega-3 fatty acid. Your brain is made up of 60% fat. And much of that fat is DHA. Supplementing with DHA can improve your memory and ability to learn. And you’ll likely have more energy and motivation. Recommended daily dosage of DHA is 1000 mg.

• Oxiracetam

  An ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. A favourite among neurohackers and athletes, Oxiracetam boosts memory and learning, supports brain health, and offers mild stimulant properties. Recommended daily dosage of Oxiracetam is 750 – 1,500 mg.

• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

  A highly bio-available form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. Many neurohackers report that NALT provides a lift in mood, better focus, concentration, increased energy, and an overall sense of well-being. NALT can help readjust your motivation levels. And can lower anxiety levels, especially social anxiety. Recommended daily dosage of NALT is 300 – 500 mg twice per day.

• Sulbutiamine

  A synthetic derivative of Vitamin B₁ (thiamine). And has been shown to boost motivation, improve focus, enhance memory and alleviate depression. Recommended daily dosage of Sulbutiamine is 1,500 mg.

That’s just a small sampling of natural cognitive enhancers that can help boost motivation and improve mental focus. But your mileage may vary because everyone’s body and brain are unique. What works for you may not work for the person next to you.

Experimenting is key to success in using nootropic supplements to boost cognition and memory, improve focus and motivation, and tame depression and anxiety.

For more about these natural cognitive enhancers, we recommend Nootropics Expert as a great resource to get you started. And provide the motivation and mental focus you need to get to your next workout.