Written By Tyree Hicks-Perkins
What do you want out of life, and how hard are you willing to work to get it? Some of us are wired differently. We absolutely have to achieve beyond the status quo. We go to sleep dreaming of our goals, and wake up with accomplishment in our hearts. We look for the competitive edge, even in the office ping-pong match. If you’re this mad about making it; this determined to exceed expectations, and you’ve never heard of nootropics before–reading this just might change your life.
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are an expansive category of substances that are used to increase cognitive function. The benefits of taking nootropics include, but aren’t limited to: enhanced long term cognition, increased attention to detail, elevated moods and higher energy.
Scientists have been studying the effects nootropics have on the brain for several decades. In 1972, Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Cornelius E. Giurgea coined the term Nootropics. It comes from the Greek word ‘noos’ meaning mind, and ‘tropein’ meaning towards, or to bend. He famously proclaimed that, “Man is not going to wait passively for millions of years before evolution offers him a better brain.”
How do they work?
There is no simple answer that explains how nootropics work. Most research suggests they achieve their positive results by changing the supply of different neurotransmitters, hormones, and enzymes. There are various categories of nootropics and each has a different effect, but in general an excellent nootropic will:
- Influence brain activity.
- Increase blood flow and oxygen.
- Protect cellular health.
Why should I take nootropics?
Nootropics are hardly a new phenomenon. While movies like Bradley Cooper’s 2011 sci-fi thriller Limitless brought more attention to this category of drugs, they’ve been studied for decades and their effectiveness is supported by over 50 years of neuroscience research. Besides promoting balanced and long-lasting energy, here are some other benefits of taking nootropics.
Physicality
Nootropics aren’t limited to improving your mental abilities. Since your brain is the command center for the rest of your body, nootropics can also improve your physical capacity and boost your endurance.
Mood
They also can have a positive influence on your feel-good hormones, which promotes a healthy outlook and balanced mood. Some reduce anxiety and stress while others help to improve sleep. Both create an environment for the brain to function with maximum efficiency.
Creativity
Don’t assume that these mind enhancing supplements will turn you into a zombie or cost you in terms of innovation. If you’re looking to unlock the creative beast inside of you, a good nootropic will do the trick. It will work to enhance the creative talents you already have, to elevate you from What’s his name? to Warhol in no time. And if that’s not enough, they promote cellular health and repair pre existing damage.
In a nutshell, nootropics can benefit your life at work, at the gym, in the classroom and even in the bedroom! And you don’t have to be a pro athlete to get your hands on these performance enhancing supplements. Nootropics are sold online and at most reputable supplement stores like GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe. So if you’re looking for an edge, you may want to look into finding a nootropic supplement that works for you—who knows, it could be just what you’re missing.
