Are you a driven person? The one who checks off almost every item on their to-do list or makes time to meal prep for the week? When we’re used to juggling multiple tasks, we can stretch ourselves too thin, and eventually struggle to find the motivation that once came so easily to us.
Sometimes, no matter how much soul-searching you do, that inner fire can snuff out. The good news is, you can rekindle it in many ways—by changing your routine, practising self-care, or by taking a natural nootropic that could improve your motivation at the cellular level.
Can we make ourselves more motivated?
Sometimes finding the motivation to start something new and following through, isn’t as easy as picking yourself up by the bootstraps and forcing yourself to do it. When we’re stressed and tired, we may only feel motivated to climb into our lounge pants and veg on the couch. So, when our overall health is less than stellar, we may feel stuck in a rut.
What is motivation?
For many of us, motivation means our willingness to start a task and complete it. The American Psychological Association (APA), however, defines it as “the impetus that gives purpose or direction to behavior and operates in humans at a conscious or unconscious level,” and “a person’s willingness to exert physical or mental effort in pursuit of a goal or outcome.”
Why do we struggle to motivate ourselves?
To understand why we can’t just “make” ourselves do something, it’s important to understand that several internal or external factors may be at play. For example, you may enter a contest because of the reward money. Or, you may feel driven to meal prep dinner for your family for the week, knowing it will save you time (and money by avoiding takeaway).
A lack of motivation can also be more complex than just not picturing an immediate reward. Let’s say over the past year, you’ve woken up at 5:30 am before work to run three miles and meditate. But despite the increased energy and other positive rewards from doing so, lately, your heart’s just not into getting out of bed that early anymore.
We may struggle to motivate ourselves for any number of internal or external reasons. First, our bodies could be deficient in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in how we “feel pleasure,” stay focused, and plan and execute our goals.
Similarly, when we’re feeling fatigued (due to any number of physical or mental health reasons), our energy levels and mood may be negatively affected. So, it may feel impossible to find our drive when we’re feeling less than ideal.
What can I do to be more motivated?
Whilst some factors that are demotivating you could be outside of your control, there are many things you can do to ignite your inner fire again:
- Get enough restorative sleep.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Practice self-care by refilling your internal well with the activities you do love.
- Make smaller, manageable goals, and give yourself credit for what you do accomplish.
- Journal about what motivates or demotivates you.
- Practice mindfulness by visualizing what you hope to achieve.
- Reassess your social circle and include friends who are also driven.
Nootropics for motivation: are they a good solution?
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are supplements aka, “smart pills,” and they’re available across the globe. In particular, nootropics are natural or synthetic supplements that can improve our cognitive functioning, such as focus, memory, recall, alertness, motivation, and mood. In general, they consist of three categories: natural supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs.
If you’ve sipped a cup of coffee or tea, then you’re already well-acquainted with a nootropic. Many of us feel alert, focused, and empowered after a cup (or two) and ready to take on the day. Other nootropics include vitamins, minerals, Ginseng, Creatine, or controlled stimulants such as Adderall used to treat ADHD.
Their availability depends on where you’re located. For example, in Germany, the government conducts extensive scientific research before it accepts an imported nootropic. Whereas, in the U.S., the FDA classifies most natural nootropics as dietary food supplements, and as a result, doesn’t regulate them.
How can nootropics help with motivation?
Nootropics can improve motivation by directly and indirectly targeting the physical and mental issues that may be underlying our lack of motivation. For instance, if we’re feeling bone-tired and exhibit zero interest in pursuing a hobby or task, a natural nootropic like magnesium could help lift our energy levels, and boost our motivation.
Are nootropics safe?
Generally speaking, nootropics are safe. A natural nootropic, for instance, consists of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids – otherwise known as natural, dietary supplements – that can improve our cognitive functioning at the micro level.
Most natural nootropics are readily available to the public over the counter in the US, UK, throughout the EU, and in China, and elsewhere. Many countries regulate synthetic nootropics, making them subject to greater scrutiny. Finally, a prescription-grade nootropic, like Ritalin or a different amphetamine, is a stimulant and is only legally accessible via a medical doctor.
Multiple factors can determine the safety and subsequent regulation of nootropics. For instance, one country may ban a specific nootropic, whilst another allows the public to access it. In short, it’s always wise to do your research, and when in doubt, consult a medical professional for further advice.
The best nootropics for motivation, energy, and focus
L-Theanine
What is it? L-Theanine is an amino acid that exists naturally in green and black tea. It aids in relaxation, may boost our mood, and even help us get a better night’s sleep.
How can it help me? It can help you focus, increase creativity, lead to longer periods of concentration, and improve your overall outlook in a positive way. Of course, motivation involves our ability to focus on a task and stick with it. So, focus and concentration may be an important component.
Dosage: An official, recommended dosage doesn’t exist, but taking 100 to 400 mg daily is typical. As for its supplement form, 200mg is average.
Rhodiola Rosea
What is it? The Rhodiola Rosea plant grows in the colder regions of Asia and Europe. Its roots are adaptogenic, and used traditionally for promoting calmness and improving concentration. You can take it on its own or along with other natural supplements and Ayurvedic herbs, such as KSM-66, root-derived Ashwagandha, in Earths Secret’s Calm complex.
How can it help me? Rhodiola could protect you from physical and emotional stressors. Even more, it could alleviate stress and reduce symptoms of depression.
Dosage: A supplement up to 600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks is typical.
Iodine
What is it? Iodine is a trace element found in soil and in the ocean, and it’s necessary for your thyroid gland to produce hormones and function properly. We don’t naturally produce it. A healthy diet can’t give us all of the iodine we need, although consuming
B Vitamins
What is it? B vitamins aid in the production of neurotransmitters which contribute to healthy brain and function, red blood cell production, cardiovascular health, and normal energy levels.
How can it help me? B-vitamins can improve your focus, digestion, boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and positively impact your overall outlook.
Dosage: Vitamin B is prevalent in a well-rounded diet. From leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, to eggs, whole grains and pulses, and beans, many of us can get the B-vits we need daily. When it comes to supplements, it depends on the particular B-vitamin. For example, the recommended daily intake of B6 for both men and women is 1.3 mg.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
What is it? Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom that contains antioxidants and has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.
How can it help me? It may help reduce inflammation, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve concentration, allowing you to focus on your to-do list after all.
Dosage: Available in supplement and powder form, you can consume lion’s mane raw, steamed, or steeped in a tea. As a supplement, the average dose ranges from 250 to 1000mg, 1-3 times daily.
more milk, meat, and green vegetables can help. Using iodized salt or taking an iodine supplement could give your body what it needs to function properly.
How can it help me? Iodine may increase your energy levels. It could also improve “brain fog” and depression.
Dosage: According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended dietary allowance (RTA) is 150 micrograms (mcg). The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) reports that taking 0.5 grams or less of iodine supplements daily is “unlikely to cause harm.”
Ready to get a grip on your to-do list?
When you’re staring down your to-do list, it may help to remember the words of American writer, Mark Twain, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” What Twain failed to recognize in the late 19th and early-20th century, however, is that many of us may struggle to get started to begin with.
Earths Secret Thrive Complex consists of five all-natural ingredients that can energise all systems of the body – Hydrocurc Turmeric, Spirulina, Reishi, Elderberry, and Ginger – helping you feel focused, driven, and ready to check every box on your list.
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