Nootropics for Productivity
Nootropics. Pronounced no-uh-TROH-pics.
I know….it doesn’t just roll off the tongue.
I have been feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland the last couple of weeks as I’ve been falling into some novel and unique productivity and efficiency rabbit holes.
To this effect, I’ve been sampling different nootropic blends from Find My Formula, a company that offers customized nootropic supplements to help you achieve ultimate cognitive performance. Instead of offering all-for-one supplements, they have developed several nootropic stacks that can help you:
Improve motivation
Increase energy
Lift brain fog
Make you more creative
Improve mood
What exactly are Nootropics you ask?
In short, they are herbs, supplements, or compounds, both natural and synthetic, that improve cognitive functioning.
Nootropic stems from the Greek words nous “mind" and trepein "to bend or turn” which literally means mind turning. Nootropics, sometimes called smart drugs or brain boosters are compounds that enhance brain function and mental performance. By definition, a nootropic is a compound that increases mental functions including memory, motivation, concentration, and attention. They’ve recently become increasingly popular as a tool to give your mind an extra boost. Biohackers around the globe are their biggest praisers and consumers. Dave Asprey recently devoted an entire chapter in his book, Superhuman, to nootropics and touts these compounds as one of his biggest tools for increased productivity and mental performance.
So back to my experience with My Formula and my anticipated acceptance into Mensa. You take a short quiz on the site and based on the results you are offered a four-pack variety of five possible blends which include Focus, Energy, Creative, Clarity, and Motivation. All five formulations have either caffeinated or non-caffeinated versions.
The different packets contain combinations of nootropics such as racetams and peptides along with high-quality vitamins, amino acids, and choline sources.
Here’s a brief overview of the different ingredients.
Racetams & Peptides
Used by astronauts for stress relief, laser-like focus, and increased stamina, racetams & peptides are the most potent and well-studied nootropics on the market.
Choline Sources
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter derived from the essential nutrient choline. It’s known for memory, learning, and protecting the brain from symptoms of aging.
Vitamins & Amino Acids
We’ve concentrated on various amino acids, vitamins, and plant-based adaptogens that protect the brain from toxins, fatigue, and stress while promoting memory and learning.
So what’s the final verdict? It’s definitely still pending. I felt a significant burst of productivity when taking the “energy” formulation. It was like having a cup of coffee without the jitters. I’m into it as someone who can often feel overstimulated by the java. It comes especially handy towards the end of the week as work and and lack of sleep start taking their toll on my overall energy levels. However, I have been feeling a bit of a crash in the evenings on the days I’ve taken the nootropics. Basically, it’s felt like a general grumpiness and mental stall.
I’ll definitely keep my remaining packets for the days of the week I’m struggling to keep my productivity up but I will be cognizant of taking them too many consecutive days as I don’t love the end-of-day slump. It’s not fun being productive in the mornings but sad in the evenings.
Was I hoping to accomplish a ton, feel great, meet a Cheshire Cat, and attend the Mad Hatter’s tea party? Possibly. A girl can dream, right? Did I get a boost of energy and have a productive morning? I did but I also felt a little sadder after too many consecutive days. So this novice woo woo working biohacker will keep searching for some more rabbit holes. You never know where you’ll end up.
P.S. I am in no way a medical expert of any kind. Really. I usually google medical stuff like most humans. Just trying my best to be my best. Experiment in your own direction.