Here is a scary statistic: one in nine US adults over 45 reports having memory issues.
From remembering how to do tasks to staying focused at work, we rely on our brainpower to get us through the day.
With that being said, is there a way to boost brain energy and keep the mind sharp? Absolutely, there is. In fact, there are many natural remedies for focus and concentration.
Keep reading to learn our top seven concentration tips that will help you stay alert.
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Pour a Cup of Joe
If you’re wondering how to increase concentration, try pouring yourself a hot cup of coffee. Just make sure it’s not decaf.
The caffeine in regular coffee stimulates the central nervous system to boost mental performance, improve alertness, and enhance concentration.
Researchers have found links between coffee and an increase in productivity, especially in regards to tedious and repetitive tasks. However, too much coffee can lead to overstimulation and mistakes. Therefore, stick to no more than two cups a day.
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Eat Brain-Healthy Foods
What you eat is the key to figuring out how to stay focused during the workday. Not only should you be eating a well-balanced diet, but you must incorporate brain-boosting foods into your meals, too.
Start with hard-boiled eggs. The eggs contain choline, which is linked to improved visual and verbal memory. Those who maintain a high-choline diet are less likely to develop dementia.
Natural sugars are also helpful in stimulating alertness and enhancing focus. If you’re having trouble concentrating at work, try snacking on:
- Pineapples
- Oranges
- Pears
- Grapes
- Apples
- Peaches
- Blueberries
These fruits are high in natural sugars and can give you a burst of alertness.
For dinner, add more fish to your diet. Fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that power the brain. They are linked to increased memory function and slower mental declines. Try eating two servings of fish a week to get the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids.
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Take 9-ME-BC Powder
Nootropics, which includes 9-ME-BC, are dietary supplements that improve cognition. The 9-ME-BC powder boosts respiratory function for sharper and clearer thinking.
The supplement increases neurotrophin synthesis, which results in faster learning, improved cognition, and a boost in memory. Unlike other nootropics, 9-ME-BC Powder’s effects are long-lasting.
The powder also stimulates new neuron growth and neuron activity. The new neurons work to stimulate memory, motivation, and alertness. Look here to learn more about how the powder interacts with cells to boost brain activity and enhance overall cognitive functions.
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Get More Sleep
If you’re looking for the key to how to stay concentrated, the answer may be in your bedroom. A good night’s sleep is crucial for staying focused during the day.
Sleep-deprived people are unable to focus their attention. Therefore, it becomes nearly impossible for their brains to absorb and retain new information. That means a lack of sleep severely inhibits your ability to learn.
A lack of sleep also impacts your body’s consolidation process. Consolidation is the means of making memories stable. Without enough sleep, you might find it difficult to remember names, tasks, or processes.
The good news is there are simple ways to boost sleep quantity and quality.
Start by decreasing blue light exposure in the evening. Blue light (which comes from cell phones, tablets, and laptops) messes with your circadian rhythm. It reduces melatonin production, which prevents you from getting a good night’s slumber.
Next, create a sleep schedule. Going to sleep and waking up around the same time helps your body’s natural circadian rhythm stay consistent. Irregular sleep patterns are tough on your brain, which is why you might not be able to fall asleep. Getting on a sleep schedule can help you fall asleep faster and longer.
Finally, make sure your bedroom is set up for sleeping. Invest in darkening curtains, a white noise maker, and keep the temperature on the cool side. All of these factors work together to make it easier to fall and stay asleep through the night.
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Sip on Green Tea
Green tea comes from the camellia Sinensis plant. It’s rich in caffeine and I-theanine. Both of these elements calm and energize the mind. I-theanine, in particular, lowers mental and physical stress while raising mood and alertness.
Green tea is also rich in antioxidants and EGCG, both of which are linked to better memory and cognitive abilities.
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Try Tai Chi
Tai Chi is one of the oldest forms of exercise. People from China created the movements to exercise both the mind and the body. The exercises flow, almost like a dance, and are linked to improvements in mental clarity, stress, and energy.
The movements are slow on purpose. They challenge the body by focusing on balance. When doing Tai Chi correctly, your “chi” (life energy that improves mental and physical health) flows better.
In addition to clearing your mind, Tai Chi is also linked to:
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Improving strength
- Boosting balance and coordination
- Increasing heart function
Many fitness centers offer Tai Chi classes, but you can also find video tutorials on YouTube and do them from your home. Try starting your day with a few Tai Chi exercises to decrease pre-work anxiety and increase focus.
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Breathe in Brain-Boosting Essential Oils
What you smell has a significant impact on your brainpower. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to help people boost their energy, decrease their fatigue, and feel focused.
Some of the best essential oils for improved cognitive functions include:
- Lemon (for uplifting your mood)
- Spearmint and rosemary (for memory and focus)
- Peppermint (for fatigue prevention)
- Lavender (for calming and concentration)
- Basil (for sharpening mental clarity)
You can breathe in the brain-boosting oils by setting up a diffuser in your office. You can also apply diluted essential oils to the skin under your nose to breathe in their scents.
Learn About Natural Remedies for Focus and Concentration and More
From sipping green tea to performing Tai Chi, there are many different natural remedies for focus and concentration.
Now that you know how to focus, what other hot topics are you looking to explore? Get your essential oils flowing, dive into our blog, and start expanding your knowledge now.
