TOOLS TO OPTIMIZE FOCUS • - A state of focus arises from multiple systems in the brain but there are some basic neurochemicals that underlie focus. Here are some ways to increase their levels (according to peer reviewed research): 1) Deliberate cold exposure: is known to dramatically increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels for 1-3 hours. See hubermanlab.com newsletter for zero-cost deliberate cold exposure protocols. (In menu “newsletter). 2) Alpha-GPC (300mg) known to increase acetylcholine for 1-2hrs. - Note, alpha-GPC may increase TMAO levels which is not good; this can be offset by taking a 600mg garlic capsule. 3) Caffeine: 100-300mg is known to increase dopamine receptor numbers and sensitivity— which increases the effectiveness of dopamine. People with anxiety etc should be cautious with caffeine use. - Non-pharmacological approaches: 4) Daily 13 minute meditation, or 5) Focus hypnosis at reveri.com (reveri app) ...have both been shown to increase focus capacity in a sustained way (not just immediately after the meditation or hypnosis). - Details and references and many more tools for increasing focus and concentration can be found at Hubermanlab.com on the Focus Toolkit episode. - Note: before taking any supplements or doing behavioral protocols that strongly modulate neuromodulators, consult with your MD. - Please put any questions you have in the comments section below this post and as always thank you for your interest in science! - @hubermanlab @stanford.med @stanford @nihgov @nimhgov @societyforneuroscience @cellpress - #neuroscience #science #ciencia #neurociencia #neuroplasticity #focus #dopamine #epinephrine #acetylcholine