Energy Boost and Brain Power

Brain health is one of the most potent yet elusive categories of wellness. So as someone with ADHD, I am thrilled when I discover a new brain hack that actually works. There are many simpler formulas for other parts of our health, but brain stuff is utterly specific. So how can we boost our brain health and memory if it's so particular?

Personally, I have discovered how sensitive a vessel my brain truly is. When I take note of routines, sleep, and what I ingest daily (sugar, I'm looking at you!), I realize that I'm not forever chained by my cognitive limitations. 

I dream of having an infinite supply of attention span and memory. While that's not probable, there are ways to biohack your brain's energy.

Brain Health: What It Is & How You Get It

Brain health determines how well you concentrate, remember things, and cope with life. And the best way to get more brain energy is naturally.

According to the World Health Organization, brain health is "the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course." 

11 Ways to Get Energized

Here are eleven specific, natural, and slightly unconventional ways to catch a ride on your best brain wave.

1. Dopamine. Dopamine improves focus and cognitive performance. You can increase your mental drive with dopamine naturally. 

• Get enough light
• Drink caffeine
• Eat tyrosine-rich foods

 The time of day you expose or restrict light also affects dopamine production.

2. Mental stimulation. Don't stop learning! Listen to that podcast, buy (and read) that book, or take up painting.

3. Exercise. Ever go on a walk and get hit with a sudden surge of ideas? It's because exercise helps blood flow to your brain and also forms new brain connections (nerves and synapses). Plus, exercising contributes to lowered blood pressure, and lowered blood pressure improves blood flow to your brain.

4. Tyrosine. Foods with tyrosine increase your brain's dopamine availability, leading to more focus and energy. For example, eggs are a tyrosine-rich food that gives your brain the protein it needs throughout the day. 

Other tyrosine-rich foods include:

• Nuts (easy to snack on)

• Fish

• Red meat

• Cheese

5. Specific brain foods, nutrients, and spices. The Mediterranean diet is a better eating style for brain power. It's rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients.

But don't skimp on the following: (especially vitamin D and omega-3, which increase serotonin)

• Blueberries are high in antioxidants which reduce inflammation.

• Vitamin D may improve brain dysfunction. Get outside to make sure you're not deficient.

• Omega 3's (and vitamin D) lead to prosocial behavior, reduced impulsivity, and better cognitive function. So if you don't like fish or salmon, try an omega-3 supplement.

• Turmeric improves memory. Spice up your veggies and beef with turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Avocados are delicious and full of healthy fats and antioxidants.

6. Drink coffee. Coffee drinkers are more alert, emotionally astute, and ready for action than non-coffee drinkers. Caffeine also increases the availability of dopamine receptors, so your body can better use already-circulating dopamine.

7. Pay attention to light and activity cycles. The time of day you get natural light significantly impacts brain function.

Optimize your brain energy by timing exercise, "feeding," light exposure, and sleep, according to Dr. Hattar, an expert on Light and Circadian Rhythms at the National Institute of Mental Health. The chronotypes "early-bird" and "night owl" are limiting and don't consider what phases make your body feel best.

Pay attention to how working out in the morning versus afternoon versus evening makes you feel. Do the same with eating, light exposure, and when you go to sleep. For example, Dr. Hattar says he clusters his exercise, light exposure, and eating early in the day because his brain power rapidly declines after 5pm. 

Everyone is different, so experiment to see what makes you feel good! 

I've found exercising before I do work and eating late in the morning afterward is the sweet spot. I'm still figuring out what the best time for bed is. And that's the fun part, discovering how to make these daily activities boost your brain function.

8. Sleep. Supplements like L-theanine and magnesium are good for sleep. L-theanine promotes relaxation and cognitive function. Magnesium promotes cellular repair and muscle relaxation for a solid slumber.

9. Regulate emotions and mood. It's exhausting to feel sluggish or down. However, mood, attention, and memory can improve with just a few minutes of daily meditation. Meditation changes the structure of your brain, so you’re better able to process emotions.

10. Socialize. Having a good social network and meaningful connections reduces stress and your risk for dementia. Call or visit friends and family regularly. Engage in community activities or events to get uplifted and energized.

11. Get an energy shot at Restore. No energy means you're not thinking clearly. Your brain is suffering! How can you jump-start your neurological wiring? An IM shot or IV drip! 

Restore's IV Drip Therapy has vitamin B12, vitamin C, and magnesium, or you can customize them with brain-building minerals from their menu. Restore's IM shots can get you re-focused in five minutes or less. That's because nutrients from IM shots are more bioavailable than supplements, meaning you'll feel the effects sooner. So get some clarity and stop in to Restore to feel revitalized. The power of your brain is immeasurable.

Not all IV Drip ingredients or services available at all locations. Medical services available to clients of Restore are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription.