For the latter half of this year, I’ve struggled through some intense brain fog and fatigue. Call it end-of-year burn out or the natural ripening of age as I clumsily stumble onto the latter half of another decade past, but my brain has been running on reserves. That is, until I discovered the wonderful world of nootropics.
As a scatter-brain by nature, navigating daily tasks without succumbing to the intense mental fatigue mentioned above is difficult. If I don’t start my day on a positive, energetic note, then I don’t really start my day at all. I push through a haze of obstacles and climb off at the nearest exit with a bed available.
Alright, it’s not that dramatic, but still. Waking up with brain frog and navigating your day from a fuzzy note is not ideal.
I’ve tried it all. I have cringed and chugged through glasses of moringa and apple cider vinegar to no avail, I’ve tested every tincture and oil available to me, nothing has helped as effectively as nootropics has.
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Let’s get into what nootropics are, how they helped me, and which two to consider buying first!
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are a wide range of dietary supplements and compounds which are linked to improving cognitive function. One significant thing about nootropics is that they’re stimulant free, forgoing the long-term side effects of regular stimulants like coffee, or adderall.
From boosting mood, executive function and creativity, to sharpening attention and memory, nootropics boast an array of benefits.
Important to know
One thing I’ve learned the hard way, is you can take all the healthy supplements and boosters in the world, they won’t work unless you’re keeping good maintenance of your lifestyle.
Ensuring you get enough sleep and exercise in, and that you eat a balanced diet, are all baseline factors which contribute to your general health. Before addressing any concerns related to lack of energy, fatigue and focus, make sure you’re addressing all of your general wellness needs first.
I want to try! Where do I start?
I tested two products by a local company who claim to be the best in business! Started by CEO Tristan van Moerkerken in 2016, Prime Self was born from a search for better natural alternatives to ADHD medication.
Since I wanted to address brain fog, fatigue and lack of focus head on, the team at Prime Self helped me pick out my perfect match. Here’s what they sent me:
Prime mind
![](https://www.womanandhomemagazine.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ezgif-3-422eb53a1e-350x350.jpeg)
Prime Self
Prime Mind enhances cognition by supporting neurotransmitter production, increasing cerebral blood flow and enhancing nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
I took this for about a week and didn’t notice any difference and was ready to give up, but I pushed through. At the end of the second week, I noticed a strong increase in alertness and the brain fog had decreased dramatically.
I pop two of these down the hatch after breakfast in the mornings and voila! Clarity of mind, without the jitter that stims like caffeine give you.
Plus, another bonus I picked up from taking these, is vivid dreams!
Buy for R599 from Prime Mind
Total focus
![](https://www.womanandhomemagazine.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ezgif-3-fb75cee893-350x350.jpeg)
Prime self
I have ADHD, which means my executive functioning is not at its best. After about two weeks of taking these bad boys, my mental fatigue was gone, and my ability to focus and elaborate on tasks for sustained periods of time seemed to flow better! I don’t take any medication or stims for ADHD, so these positive results were all on Total Focus, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
With these, I was getting more done in my day and feeling less fatigued than I have in a while. I also noticed a slight elevation in mood and alertness.
Buy for R399 from Prime Self
Ultimately, are nootropics worth the shot? I would say so! As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, instead of being put on meds, I’ve had the privilege to choose a route that works for me. Nootropics have helped me gain some mental clarity and sharpness, without the worry of harmful long-term effects.
Call me a broken record though, but no supplement will help you unless you’ve got the basics (sleep, diet, exercise) down. Once you’ve got those by the heels, you’re ready for your nootropics journey.
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