Looking to enhance your focus without damaging your health?
Then you’re in the right place!
Because today, I am going to show you 14 natural ways to boost your focus, without taking adderall or other harmful substances.
These are 14 solutions that I’ve tried personally to boost my focus when I’m writing my papers, cramming for an upcoming exam, and working out at the gym.
Some of these solutions cost money (and some don’t), but at the end of the day, they will all effectively improve your mental sharpness…
…And most importantly, keep your health in check.
Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Supplements / Nootropics
Enhanced cognitive function is the most well-known benefits of Adderall; however, the FDA categorizes Adderall as a controlled substance that can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.
For those without Adderall prescription or anyone who wants to try a natural substitute, nootropics are a great Adderall alternative.
Nootropics, popularly known as ‘smart drugs,’ are natural cognitive enhancing supplements that help to improve functions like memory and creativity.
As interest and demand increase, many brands have started selling nootropics, but some of them are not 100% natural or as effective as they are advertised to be.
So here is a list of three best nootropics supplements that have been tested and proven to be effective and all natural.
1. Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro has maintained its place as one of the most popular Adderall alternative choice for quite some time.
It helps to optimize Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy, allowing hours of alertness, crisp & clear focus, and motivation.
Mind Lab Pro‘s formula is superior to typical “caffeine-rich” brain vitamins thanks to Choline rich formula along with further support from other 10 research-backed nootropics.
Mind Lab Pro has been tested and proven to lift physical fatigue and boost mental energy levels for users of all ages, including seniors and students.
These natural nutrients contained in Mind Lab Pro come with additional benefits such as increased sensory experience when used for an extended period of time.
Overall, it’s a great adderall alternative which would help you to be at your best every day, and thrive in your life as the ultimate version of YOU.
2. Performance Lab
Performance Lab is another excellent Adderall Alternative.
It’s listed as 2nd behind Mind Lab Pro but it is much more cost effective as it is priced $15 less.
It is clinically studied and certified as drug-free by the BSCG—the gold standard in supplement certification.
It has tested and proven to boost memory, focus and mental speed and it is highly recommended for all instances requiring optimal brain performance.
Performance Lab‘s all-natural formula contains ingredients like Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to boost memory and longevity.
Another main ingredient in Performance Lab is N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT), which is a precursor used to synthesize mental performance brain chemicals known as catecholamines, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Performance Lab is known for stimulating synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), which in turn promotes brain plasticity, brain regeneration, memory, mood balance and overall brain health.
In the long-term, Performance Lab can help increase your work output, have better focus, and experience sustained motivation.
3. Noocube
Noocube is a nootropic supplement containing natural ingredients that have been tested and proven to be best for strengthening brain power.
Brain power is a big determinant in how you excel in your studies, career and personal life.Therefore, a vibrant brain is a priceless asset when you want to increase productivity and achieve more goals while enjoying your life and time with your family.
Noocube is composed of a unique blend of ten natural superfoods known to improve brain function.
Researches from reputable institutions such as the United States National Institutes of Health and Columbia University Medical Center support the effectiveness of these ingredients.
Noocube’s ingredients include but aren’t limited to brain vitamins like Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, Cat’s claw and Bacopa. These are all essential nutrients required for the production of neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are often referred to as the body’s chemical messengers because it transmits messages between neurons to muscles.
Over the Counter Solutions
(Buy at the local retail stores!)
Adderall is considered a controlled substance by the FDA which means you can’t buy it over the counter without a prescription.
If you are looking for readily available over the counter Adderall alternatives, here are some considerations;
4. Omega-3 Fish oil
Omega-3 fish oil is without doubt the most popular supplement globally.
You can buy the omega-3 fish oil in any pharmacy without a prescription.
Most importantly, omega-3 fish oil is an effective natural treatment for brain-related problems.
Fish oil contains fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that are highly beneficial to the brain.
Fish oil has been found to improve attention span and working memory and to reduce hyperactivities and impulsive behavrious which affect the brain performance.
Although Omega-3 fish oil is not loaded with ingredients that give targeted effects as nootropics, it is the top over-the-counter solution to improve brain performance.
5. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is another popular natural brain booster readily available over the counter.
It contains several natural ingredients such as Softgel (gelatin, glycerin, purified water) and non-GMO sunflower oil.
Phosphatidylserine stimulates the brain, enhances memory and boosts concentration.
Phosphatidylserine’s natural ingredients augment mental performance and brain function.
Also contained in Phosphatidylserine are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), which improve learning performance and boost energy.
6. Phenibut
Phenibut is an over the counter product that combines dietary supplementation with therapeutic action.
Phenibut helps to lower stress and boost mood.
Like dopamine, Phenibut stimulates dopamine receptors which is similar to how Adderall works.
Phenibut is characterized by its stimulatory effects, contrasting the sedative effects of most nootropic products.
Unlike Adderall, Phenibut is well-tolerated and rarely results in adverse side effect or overdependence.
Phenibut can be easily purchased over the counter or online without a prescription.
Diet Tips
7. Consume foods that boost brain health
Adderall is often used to enhance concentration.
There are foods that can boost your brain health and achieve similar goal as Adderall without the drug’s risk of side effects or overdependence.
Fish, walnuts and chia seeds are widely popular brain foods.
Fish contains Omega-3 oils which have brain health benefits such as improving brain functions and development. Walnuts have been proven to improve motor and cognitive functions.
Chia seeds, just like fish, are rich in omega-3 fats and can boost brain health.
In fact, chia seeds have more omega-3 fats than most fish sources. Adding these foods to your daily diet will boost your focus level.
8. Zinc Foods
Many individuals take Adderall because they experience challenges in staying focused.
Frequently, their minds start to wander and their bodies tend to fidget, holding them back from finishing the task they had set out to complete.
One explanation behind the wandering mind and fidgeting is low zinc levels in the body.
Zinc deficiency has been linked to low learning ability, lethargy and mental health related issues in children.
No need to panic, because zinc level can be easily enhanced with right food intake.
You just need to consume more zinc-rich foods such as kidney beans, shrimp and spinach.
Alternatively, you can take 20-milligram zinc supplements daily.
9. Magnesium-Rich Foods
Many individuals who take Adderall tend to have ADHD symptoms like fidgeting, hyperactive movements, and restlessness.
These symptoms can be alleviated by consuming foods rich in magnesium.
Magnesium is known to be an essential nutrient for our brain and body as over hundreds of enzymes require magnesium to perform biological reactions between tissues and organ.
Therefore, it is extremely important that you intake sufficient amount of magnesium through daily diet.
Magnesium-rich food are green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruits.
Vegetables such as peas, broccoli, and asparagus and seafood like mackerel, tuna and salmon are great sources of magnesium.
If you are experiencing brain fog, it might be a sign that you may be deficient in magnesium.
Wellness
10. Yoga
Wellness, simply put, is the state of being healthy.
Today, the importance of wellness has become prominent more than ever before and many consistently pursue wellness as one of the most important life goals.
There are six main dimensions of wellness; emotional, physical, spiritual, social, environmental and intellectual wellness.
Yoga/meditation and exercise are essential parts of wellness.
Yoga can be defined as a Hindu spiritual ascetic discipline that includes simple meditation, breath control and specific bodily postures for health and relaxation.
There are research studies linking yoga to improved brain health.
Long-term yoga practice improves working memory, a benefit many people seek through Adderall intake.
11. Meditation
Often people associate meditation with relaxation, and that is true to an extent.
However, it is also known to increase the level of vividness, clarity and sharpness of attention.
Meditation is a combination of being very relaxed while being very alert at the same time.
Of course to help with your brain fog you don’t need to meditate for hours but try to practice as a daily habit of a few minutes each day.
Remember the quality of your meditation is more important than quantity.
12. Exercise
Exercise is a huge part of wellness.
Many studies have found exercise to be beneficial, not only to the muscle and body but also to the brain.
Some of the main brain health-related benefits of exercise include increased endurance, improved sleep, improved mood, higher energy, and better stamina.
Exercise also relieves stress and increases mental alertness.
Homemade Recipes
13. Healthy brain-boosting breakfast, lunch and supper
There are many natural and herbal nootropics.
It is important to include these in your daily meal.
These nootropics include bacopa monnieri, lion’s mane, ginkgo biloba, artichoke extract, and etc.
However, you might find them hard to find. Alternatively, you can try substituting high sugar and high fat breakfast with foods that are incredibly nutritious for your brain.
For instance, scrambled eggs with spinach make a delicious and healthy breakfast full of protein and Vitamins B, D & E which are great for your memory.
Depending on your preference, you can substitute the spinach with broccoli and take some cocoa tea with it to provide your body with adequate amounts of cocoa flavanols, one of the best superfoods for the brain.
By simply replacing fast foods with an assortment of leafy greens, fish, whole grains and legumes, you can prevent memory decline and enjoy other brain health benefits.
For supper, prepare tuna, salmon, or other fish packed with omega-3 oils and serve with side of brain-healthy vegetable options such as green leafy vegetables and cucumber salad, tomatoes, or grilled pepper.
Most vegetables are packed with antioxidants among other phytonutrients and make excellent brain foods but leafy, green vegetables, peppers and colourful root vegetables offer the best brain health benefits.
After supper, enjoy your dessert with a bowl of fruits like avocado and blueberries, which are known to improve brain function both directly and indirectly.
Blueberries are powerful antioxidants. Avocado boosts blood circulation which is good for the brain.
14. Salads
Salads make great healthy snacks that can help you get proper nutrition for your brain.
Instead of eating sugary junk foods packed with artificial sugars, you can prepare some healthy salads with ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
Start with greens like spinach, kale, arugula, mixed baby greens, or romaine.
Consider colorful varieties of washed and chopped veggies to make your salad enticing.
You need some protein and good fats to make a tasty, well-balanced salad.
Good sources of fats include walnuts, olives, avocado, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sliced almonds.
Good sources of protein included tuna, salmon, tofu and hard-boiled eggs.
You can add some herbs like mint, basil, oregano or cilantro.
You can make your own healthy salad dressing using olive oil, vinegar, and some lemon juice.