I'm a focus addict.
Over the last 10 years, I've experimented with countless substances to maximize my productivity.
Here's my ranking of the most effective focus compounds I've tried:
Over the last 10 years, I've experimented with countless substances to maximize my productivity.
Here's my ranking of the most effective focus compounds I've tried:
Ritalin:
This stuff is intense.
I love how effortless work becomes, but the crash is brutal.
My sleep suffers, & I can't enjoy food.
The long-lasting effects are great for productivity, but the agitation isn't worth it. Downsides? Too invasive & addictive.
4/10
This stuff is intense.
I love how effortless work becomes, but the crash is brutal.
My sleep suffers, & I can't enjoy food.
The long-lasting effects are great for productivity, but the agitation isn't worth it. Downsides? Too invasive & addictive.
4/10
Modafinil:
Keeps me awake forever, but the focus isn't as intense as Ritalin.
I often end up zeroing in on the wrong tasks.
The duration is overkill – I'm wired long after I want to relax.
My body doesn't thank me for using this one. Wouldn't use regularly.
3/10
Keeps me awake forever, but the focus isn't as intense as Ritalin.
I often end up zeroing in on the wrong tasks.
The duration is overkill – I'm wired long after I want to relax.
My body doesn't thank me for using this one. Wouldn't use regularly.
3/10
Coffee:
My old reliable.
That initial jolt of focus is great, and I love my coffee ritual.
Taste is a bonus. Sadly, afternoon cups wreck my sleep, and too much leaves me a jittery mess.
Still, it's my go-to for a quick productivity boost when used right.
6/10
My old reliable.
That initial jolt of focus is great, and I love my coffee ritual.
Taste is a bonus. Sadly, afternoon cups wreck my sleep, and too much leaves me a jittery mess.
Still, it's my go-to for a quick productivity boost when used right.
6/10
Alpha GPC:
A personal favorite.
Clears my mental fog without making me feel wired.
I'm incredibly present and focused, but in a subtle way.
Using it 2x a week hits the sweet spot for me. It enhances my productivity without the downsides of harsher stimulants.
7/10
A personal favorite.
Clears my mental fog without making me feel wired.
I'm incredibly present and focused, but in a subtle way.
Using it 2x a week hits the sweet spot for me. It enhances my productivity without the downsides of harsher stimulants.
7/10
Methylene Blue:
Interesting but inconsistent.
My mood gets a nice lift, and there's a serotonin boost.
The focus isn't too intense, but I sometimes feel a bit off, like I'm drugged.
It's fun to experiment with, but not reliable enough for regular use.
6/10
Interesting but inconsistent.
My mood gets a nice lift, and there's a serotonin boost.
The focus isn't too intense, but I sometimes feel a bit off, like I'm drugged.
It's fun to experiment with, but not reliable enough for regular use.
6/10
Shrooms microdose:
Hello, creativity! I feel less robotic and more inspired. Focus isn't laser-sharp, but I immerse into my work effortlessly.
The mood enhancement is lovely.
For pure creative flow, nothing beats this – if only it were legal.
9/10
Hello, creativity! I feel less robotic and more inspired. Focus isn't laser-sharp, but I immerse into my work effortlessly.
The mood enhancement is lovely.
For pure creative flow, nothing beats this – if only it were legal.
9/10
LSD microdose:
More stimulating than shrooms and great for complex work.
Great blend of creativity & analytical thinking.
The duration is intense – great for long sessions but can mess with my sleep schedule.
Amplifies my mood, for better or worse. Powerful tool.
8/10
More stimulating than shrooms and great for complex work.
Great blend of creativity & analytical thinking.
The duration is intense – great for long sessions but can mess with my sleep schedule.
Amplifies my mood, for better or worse. Powerful tool.
8/10
Lion's Mane:
Subtle yet effective.
My anxiety dips a bit, and focus improves noticeably.
No tunnel vision – just clean, clear thinking.
Being 100% natural is a huge plus. Brain health benefits are icing on the cake. I love the gentle boost in cognitive function.
8/10
Subtle yet effective.
My anxiety dips a bit, and focus improves noticeably.
No tunnel vision – just clean, clear thinking.
Being 100% natural is a huge plus. Brain health benefits are icing on the cake. I love the gentle boost in cognitive function.
8/10
Yerba Mate:
Smooth operator.
I dig the taste and the gradual onset of focus.
Lasts longer than coffee without the jitters. The preparation ritual is nice too.
Doesn't mess with my sleep as much as other stimulants. A solid, natural option for sustained productivity.
7/10
Smooth operator.
I dig the taste and the gradual onset of focus.
Lasts longer than coffee without the jitters. The preparation ritual is nice too.
Doesn't mess with my sleep as much as other stimulants. A solid, natural option for sustained productivity.
7/10
Kratom:
A unique balance of relaxation & stimulation.
I feel mellow yet focused, and my mental chatter quiets down.
The addiction potential makes me cautious, though. When used sparingly, it's a great tool for productive, tranquil work sessions.
6/10
A unique balance of relaxation & stimulation.
I feel mellow yet focused, and my mental chatter quiets down.
The addiction potential makes me cautious, though. When used sparingly, it's a great tool for productive, tranquil work sessions.
6/10
Btw, I always cycle these and only rarely deploy the harsher ones like modafinil and Ritalin.
None of these work without good sleep, exercise, and diet. This will always be the foundation of great focus.
That's why these substances are called "supplements."
DYOR
None of these work without good sleep, exercise, and diet. This will always be the foundation of great focus.
That's why these substances are called "supplements."
DYOR
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