Mental clarity is a state of perception unclouded by distractions and worries. It is critical to a healthy life and enables you to achieve your goals.
Jim shares tips to help clean-sweep your mind and enhance mental focus and clarity. Try these techniques to boost your performance and get ahead in the game!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) may look like a plain clump of grass, but when sliced and steamed, it releases an aromatic lemon flavor that makes it a mainstay in Southeast Asian cuisine. Besides being a delicious cooking ingredient, this fragrant stalk-like herb also contains therapeutic properties that can help you stay alert and focused.
Among other things, lemongrass has anti-fungal properties that can kill four fungal infections. The scent of this weed has also been shown to stimulate the brain and improve attention span.
Patchouli essential oil is another powerful mental stimulant that helps you stay alert and focused. Try blending it with citrus oils such as Bergamot or Basil/Rosemary for an uplifting aroma.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is an evergreen shrub-tree plant native to South America. It contains phenolic compounds and water-soluble caffeine, stimulating the cerebral cortex to relieve mental fatigue. It also reduces glucose or cholesterol levels, increases energy, boosts metabolism and oxygen uptake of cells in the body, and improves reaction time and memory.
Several studies suggest that yerba mate can enhance focus and concentration due to its caffeine content. Caffeine can increase alertness and stimulate specific signaling molecules in the brain, improving attention and reaction times.
Traditionally, yerba mate is steeped in hot water and served in a hollowed-out gourd with a bombilla as a sieve and straw. It is typically shared among friends, with each sip passed around the circle while the gourd is refilled.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a well-known natural remedy for boosting energy levels and mental clarity. Inhaling the scent of peppermint oil promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can improve the ability to focus and concentrate.
Aside from being a refreshing breath freshener and a tasty ingredient in candy canes, mint is also a natural energizer. A small study found that participants performed better on cognitive tests when exposed to the aroma of peppermint essential oil than those who didn’t.
Try diffusing or inhaling a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and frankincense to help keep you awake and focused during a work or school session. You can also apply a concentrated blend of focus-enhancing essential oils such as petitgrain, bergamot, and cedarwood diluted in a carrier oil to pulse points when needed.
Chamomile
Everyone has heard of the anecdotal benefits of chamomile tea to calm frayed nerves and aid in sleep. According to recent research published in Phytotherapy Research, it’s a scientifically proven herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia. It can also soothe gastrointestinal distress.
Chamomile is a genus of daisy-like plants in the Asteraceae family, with two well-known varieties: Roman and German chamomiles (Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria recutita, respectively). Both are commonly used for medicinal purposes, especially as a soothing herbal tea.
Both have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. Chamomile can be consumed in various ways: Tea, tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol), and capsules. It can also be used as a gargle or mouthwash diluted in water.
Ginger
Mental clarity helps us make sound decisions, avoid cognitive biases, and maintain a healthy perspective on life. It also lets us focus on tasks and remain calm in stressful situations.
Adding ginger to your diet (via supplements or in your favorite recipes) can help support mental clarity. It contains powerful antioxidants, including gingerol and shogaol, that act as free radical scavengers to reduce inflammation in the brain and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Achieving a state of mental clarity is critical for success at work and in relationships. A balanced lifestyle that includes sleep, nutrition, and meditation is critical to maintaining mental clarity. Avoiding distractions and stressors and limiting screen time are vital for mental clarity. These techniques will lead to better productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
