#enhancing focus

[compassionmattersmost]

Developing Ekagrata, or One-Pointed Concentration: An Essential Skill in Meditation

Developing ekagrata, or one-pointed concentration, is an essential skill in meditation that enhances mental focus and facilitates deeper states of awareness. Here are some steps and techniques to cultivate ekagrata: Choose a Focus Point: Select an object of focus, such as the breath, a mantra, a candle flame, or an image. This will be your pratyaya, the object to anchor your attention. Create…

[pebblegalaxy]

Unlocking the Power of Positive Emotions: How Feeling Good Transforms Your Life #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellbeing

Emotions and the Pursuit of Positivity: Unveiling the Power of Good Feelings Introduction: The Profound Impact of Emotions Emotions are a core component of the human experience, shaping our thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. Among the myriad of emotions we encounter, positive emotions hold a special place due to their profound impact on various facets of our lives. The adage “Look for…

[serenitewellnessmedicine]

Feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures? You’re not alone. Chronic stress can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Here at Serenite Wellness Medicine, a leading wellness clinic in Ontario, California, we believe mindfulness meditation offers a powerful tool to combat stress and cultivate inner peace.

[healthproduct95]

NeuroActiv6 Supplements - Health

[thecoachingdirectory]

Nourishing your body with healthy food is VITAL for maintaining your energy levels, enhancing focus, and promoting overall well-being. So if this is an area you know you struggle with, here are some practical nutrition tips to help you make healthier choices amidst your busy schedule. Check this out!

[strangerstilinski]

[titaniumelemental]

Last week I was reading about the connection between nicotine pouches like Zyn and Tucker Carlson style right wing masculinity. One guy was quoted saying, "They fear a society when a man wakes up in the morning, drinks black coffee, pops a cool mint upper decky, and takes on the world."

Now when I wake up and make my coffee with a splash of cream, I think "well obviously this means I'm a pussified liberal drone or whatever..." and it's not actually funny anymore, but it's embedded in my brain.

[bonnieura]

do you trace your art

yes! roughly everything under the potus tag is traced haha everything else on this account though isn't. its very clear the difference between my traced art n nontraced art

[ardienothesieno]

there's a chance that i might have some sort of serious medical condition and am in big trouble or it might just be that my body has just decided to fuck with me

[peaches2217]

They fucking killed him

[archersartcorner]

Just a fuckton variety of Skip n Norm doodles. *points* I like the sluge…

[lunatic-fandom-space]

I just remembered, about a year ago immediately after reading interview with the vampire for the first time I stumbled upon this youtube comment under a video that was about progressive modern reboots and why so many of them suck, i think? that was basically like "the new iwtv show is a good example of a progressive reboot thats actually good, in large part because it focuses on the queer relationships that could only be hinted at in the original book bc it was published in the 70s" which absolutely flabberghasted me. like, im not gonna deny that homophobia was A Thing in the 70s but I never got the impression that iwtv was the way it was because of that. like Ive started rereading it and thirty pages in I feel like Louis just keeps saying shit to the effect of "what lestat and i did together was very much not unlike gay sex", so he is kinda vague about it but the homoeroticism is blatant enough that I dont think it was selfcensoring yknow. also, after reading the vampire lestat I feel like you can chalk that vagueness up to just louis' personality because in his own book (which came out in the 80s) he basically straightup says "i love louis the way i love my mother. romantically" which is wild of course but well. he said it not me.

[higherrealmswellness]

Received the test version of Ascended Mind in the mail today. The label needs some adjustment, but the formula is on point. The Shogun Series will be coming out soon once I'm done testing out a few other products.

[xtruss]

A woman prepares Matcha Tea, a popular morning drink that provides a Steady Energy Boost and Enhances Mental Clarity. It’s one of several Coffee Alternatives gaining attention for their Health Benefits. Photograph By Liudmila Chernetska, Getty Images

Are These Coffee Alternatives Worth The Hype?

From the Brain-Boosting Effects of Guarana to the Calming Properties of Matcha, These Drinks Offer Both an Energy Lift and Enhanced Mental Focus.

— By Jocelyn Solis-Moreira | August 29, 2024

For many, the day doesn’t begin without that first sip of coffee—a ritual so ingrained it’s almost synonymous with morning itself. But as interest in health and wellness grows, caffeine alternatives offering a different pick-me-up are gaining traction. From the ancient ritual of matcha to the probiotic benefits of kombucha, a range of options promises to energize your morning without the usual coffee jitters. Here’s what you need to know.

Mushroom Coffee ☕️

Mushroom coffee is emerging as an energy-boosting alternative to your regular cup of joe, says Jessica Gavin, a food scientist and author of Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking.

This morning blend combines ground coffee beans with adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Unlike their psychedelic counterparts, these mushrooms won’t alter your mind, but they can help the body adapt to stress, improve immune function, and maintain steady focus, says Gavin. Adding mushrooms to your beverage also provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, selenium, and B vitamins.

According to Gavin, most mushroom coffee products use less caffeine—about 48 to 50 milligrams—compared to an eight-ounce cup of coffee which contains 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

“Because mushroom coffee does not have the same taxing load on your central nervous system, one could reasonably assume it’s a better alternative than a cup of coffee or green tea,” says Yaa Boakye, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Elite Body Data.

However, mushrooms like chaga can contain high levels of oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones if consumed in excess.

Matcha Green Tea 🍵

Matcha, a potent form of green tea, delivers more than just a caffeine kick. With around 70 milligrams of caffeine per serving—more than the 50 milligrams in black tea—this herbal brew offers sustained energy without the jitters. According to Gavin, matcha’s unique combination of caffeine and antioxidants boosts brain energy while promoting relaxation, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to reduce stress and protect against neuronal injury.

Yerba Mate 🧉

Containing roughly as much caffeine as coffee, South America’s super brew, yerba mate, packs more antioxidants than any other tea-based drink. Made from the leaves of holly trees native to the region, yerba mate offers a steady caffeine release, providing sustained energy without the jitters. According to Boakye, this tea is also rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals not typically found in traditional caffeinated beverages.

Research shows that yerba mate can boost mental alertness and enhance physical performance. Additional benefits include antimicrobial properties, support for weight loss, and the potential to lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and combat chronic inflammation.

Yaupon Tea 🫖

Yaupon tea, brewed from the leaves of the yaupon holly—the only caffeinated plant native to the United States—offers a mild yet energizing boost. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, says that yaupon tea contains 0.1 to 2 percent caffeine, less than coffee’s 1 to 3 percent. However, it’s not just about caffeine; yaupon tea is rich in xanthines, including theobromine, which enhances mood and alertness without the jitters.

Kombucha 🧋

Kombucha, a fermented tea, is celebrated for its gut health benefits and mild stimulant effects. According to Le, kombucha retains some of the tea’s bioactive compounds, including 3 to 6 percent caffeine, depending on how it’s brewed. But the real star is its probiotics—beneficial microorganisms that nourish the gut’s “good” bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved cognitive functions like attention, memory, and learning. Additionally, kombucha is rich in B vitamins, which Boakye says help the body metabolize nutrients into cellular fuel.

Guarana ☕️

Guarana stands out for its impressive caffeine content, with berries containing 2 to 8 percent caffeine—far exceeding the 1 to 3 percent in coffee beans. In addition to caffeine, guarana is rich in stimulating compounds like theophylline and theobromine, which, according to Gavin, boost cognitive performance, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness. It also boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Often found in energy drinks with doses ranging from 50 to 75 milligrams, guarana can also be added as a powder to smoothies or other beverages. However, Boakye cautions against excessive consumption to avoid caffeine crashes and jitteriness, noting that the FDA recommends a daily limit of 400 milligrams of caffeine.

“If someone is about to sit and do some office work, [guarana] is probably not a good idea,” says Boakye. “But if you’re about to go and do a workout or an intense boot camp, [it] might be helpful since it provides that quick burst of energy.”

Turmeric Lattes🥤

For a caffeine-free morning boost, turmeric lattes, known as golden milk, deliver powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Made with turmeric and curcumin, this golden drink can be enhanced with a touch of coconut oil and black pepper, which improve curcumin absorption, says Gavin. Ginger, another key ingredient, aids digestion and adds a spicy kick.

“I prefer it in the morning because the combination of ingredients has a way of stimulating you,” says Gavin. She says the sensation of the gingery spices, pepper, and warm cinnamon on your tongue helps wake up the senses differently than caffeine.

[thecoachingdirectory]

Struggle in balancing a hectic professional life with the challenge of prioritizing nutrition? Nourishing your body with healthy food is vital for maintaining your energy levels, enhancing focus, and promoting overall well-being. Here are some practical nutrition tips to help you make healthier choices amidst your busy schedule. Check this out!

[horrid-mothlegs]

I get sad about being such a slow reader but when you spend a month reading a book it really hits you when you finally finish it, like I went through so much with you Fabulosa by Paul Baker and I will never be the same