We all have those days when we have trouble focusing when our thoughts feel sluggish and cloudy. Sometimes, we have several of those days in a row. Sometimes, it’s just now and then. But we all have those days.
It can be hard to nail down the culprit. Did you get enough sleep last night? Are you well-hydrated? What about exercise? Would a short walk get your blood pumping again? It could be any number of things, so you can’t always tell exactly why you’re not feeling 100 percent.
Much of the time it comes down to what we’re eating and drinking. Unfortunately, the stuff that gives us a little boost in the short term is often the same stuff that leaves us feeling fatigued in the long term, such as sugary energy drinks, coffee, and buttery pastries. These can get those gears clicking immediately, but before long, here comes the crash, and you feel worse than you did before.
What you need are more long-run brain boosters. Stuff that gives you a pick-me-up that not only lasts throughout the day but helps to strengthen your focus throughout your life if you stick to it. Here’s what we recommend:
- Omega-3. You’ll find Omega-3 in fatty fish like salmon and cod, as well as walnuts and chia seeds. Omega-3 works by reducing inflammation and helping to build the cell membranes in the brain. You want to eat fatty fish around three times a week for the best results. You can also take fish oil when you don’t have time to eat. Omega-3 also helps you get a better night’s sleep, which, again, keeps you more alert during the day.
- Antioxidants. The brain uses a lot of oxygen. Antioxidants help purge the “free radicals” that can occur as a result. You’ll find antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables, that is, unprocessed, uncooked, fresh-out-of-the-produce-section fruit and vegetables.
- Bacopa. Bacopa, or Bacopa monnieri, is a plant used in Indian medicine that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and Nootropic properties. That is, it may serve as a direct boost to the brain. A study found that the use of Bacopa in older adults correlated directly with improved short-term memory.
Now, of course, you don’t always have time to sit down for a nice big plate of baked salmon with a side of walnuts. That’s where supplements come in. The quality ingredients found in Herbalife products can be a big help in making up the difference.
Adding Herbalife ingredients to your diet can give you the fuel you need to stay sharp throughout the day, but you don’t want to neglect mental fitness, either. Just like your body, your brain needs activity to stay alert as you age.
We’ve all seen older people on the bus doing their crossword puzzles and Sudoku. That’s for good reason: These brain games can keep your brain active and stave off the effects of age. Anything that you find mentally challenging and stimulating can help you keep your mind young through the years.
It could be anything you like: chess, Tetris, riddles, or just reading a lot of mystery novels. If it gives your brain something to play with, it’s doing you some good. Combine that with physical exercise, getting enough sleep, and Herbalife ingredients, and you’re on the right track.