Are you one of the people who have used Adderall as a study drug? Or maybe you have heard about the drug’s effects and you’re considering of helping yourself to some before a major examination?
Studies have found that around 17% of students rely on Adderall or other study drugs to help them concentrate better. This statistic only shows how popular Adderall is.
However, instead of taking a dose of Adderall, keep in mind that this will only be a short-term solution. Always relying on study drugs can create a dependence and even cause dangerous side effects.
Instead of taking drugs to improve your focus, changing the food that you eat and practicing healthier habits can help you improve your focus and sharpen your attention naturally. Here are some natural alternatives to Adderall.
Eggs for breakfast
Whether scrambled or sunny side up, having eggs for breakfast can greatly help in improving your focus and calming you at the same time. This is because eggs are high in protein and the amino acid tryptophan found in protein can help create neurotransmitters in the brain that can deliver these positive effects.
Dark chocolate
Instead of munching on a regular candy or chocolate bar that will only cause a sugar crash, go for dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate typically has a higher cacao content than regular milk chocolate and the higher the cacao, the better. Cacao has been found to help improve brain stimulation. This can help you improve your focus and concentrate better in what you’re studying or doing.
Even if you’re pressed for time and cramming for an exam, finding a bar of dark chocolate is not very difficult. Many supermarkets and convenience stores sell 70% dark chocolate with high cacao content.
Indian Curry
Indian curry is a mouthwatering lunch option that is typically cooked with turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is rich in the compound curcumin. According to studies, curcumin has been found to have positive effects on a person’s attention and memory.
Sushi
If you’re looking to treat yourself to dinner before a big exam, consider going to a sushi restaurant. Fresh fish like salmon, trout, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain health. Just like Adderall, eating healthy servings of fish can help improve your focus and attention.
Walnuts
If you are looking for a healthy way to snack, choosing walnuts will not only satisfy your hunger, but it will also help you concentrate better. Just like sushi, walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the brain. The best part is that you only need around seven pieces of walnuts a day to reap its benefits.
Spinach
Are you familiar with the classic cartoon Popeye the Sailorman? In that cartoon, Popeye gets his power from eating a can of spinach. While eating this leafy vegetable will not miraculously bulge your muscles in seconds, it does not change the fact that spinach is a superfood with numerous benefits.
The two key minerals found in spinach that can help your focus are magnesium and zinc. Magnesium is very helpful in decreasing restlessness, fidgeting, and hyperactive movement. Zinc, on the other hand, can help reduce impulsiveness so you can better concentrate on what you’re doing.
Meditation
When you can’t concentrate, chances are, there are so many things going on through your mind. This makes you easily distracted and unable to focus on the task at hand. To manage your chaotic thoughts, try to spend a few minutes each day meditating.
You can meditate by sitting in a quiet place and taking deep breaths for at least 10 to 20 minutes a day. Just let your brain run free and be mindful of your inner thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help in improving your concentration and relieving stress.
Sleep
If there is one thing that will never fail to refresh you physically and mentally – that is a good night’s sleep. No amount of money or drugs can replace the benefits of getting a solid amount of good sleep. If you are well rested, you can focus better and you can retain more information.
On the contrary, lack of sleep will decrease your alertness, affect your problem solving skills, as well as cause you to forget things and make more mistakes. This is because sleep plays an important role in many cognitive processes. Make sure that you give yourself at least 7-8 hours of straight sleep every night. If you are unable to catch some sleep at night, taking power naps during the day can help you recharge.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
