There are many ways to improve your focus and concentration. I was recently asked if Hypnotherapy would benefit these brain functions and the answer is: yes. Hypnotherapy will boost focus and even uncover unconscious blocks that could be inhibiting your concentration or affecting the clarity of your thinking.
As we age, many people tend to feel a mental fog settling in. This may be an indication that we need to look within. Meditation is a great tool for clearing the mind as are practices such as Yoga or Tai Chi. There are also supplements, herbs, and aromatherapy cures that can assist us. Here are my top 3 recommendations:
FISH OIL: Taking fish oil as a daily supplement can have many health benefits for the entire body due to the high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. DHA and EPA are two fatty acids contained in fish oil that affect the development of the brain and how the nervous system functions. I will focus here only on the benefits for the brain, which include improvement in memory, reasoning, and focus. Research also shows that fish oil supplements help alleviate depression, many symptoms of various mental illnesses, and mood disorders. It has been confirmed to aid children with ADD and ADHD. It is recommended to take during pregnancy to help brain development for the baby and reduce risks of postpartum depression for the mom. Generally fish oil is most easily taken in capsule form and must be stored in the refrigerator. Eating fresh fish is also helpful, but can be unsafe to eat in the necessary quantities due to heavy metals. The dosages vary depending on the reason for taking this supplement. You can buy 1000 mg (1000 mg = 1 g) capsules and begin by taking one capsule three times per day. The dosage for depression can be as much as 6 grams per day and it is a good idea to check with your doctor if you are unsure how much is best for you. Look for brands that are free of mercury. I personally like Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Liquid to add to smoothies or Spectrum softgels.
ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL: An aromatherapy cure for memory and focus is rosemary because it is a cerebral vasodilator, which means it increases blood flow to the brain. If you are studying or wanting to focus, smell fresh rosemary or use a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Another nice combination to create is rosemary and peppermint essential oil blended together. You can put some drops on a tissue and breathe it in periodically or put your mixture into a base oil (like sweet almond oil or apricot seed) and apply to your skin by massage. Another trick is to buy a spray bottle (preferably a glass one which you can find online) and fill with a combination of distilled water and your essential oil blend to make a spritz that you can use to spray yourself or around your environment. It may be best to avoid rosemary essential oil during pregnancy. Consult an Aromatherapist if you have concerns. Buy organic essential oils from a good source. I recommend Original Swiss Aromatics or Oshadi or buying directly from a Certified Aromatherapist.
GINGKO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT: Gingko Leaf is the herb that has been proven to enhance memory and recall, as well as blood circulation. This herb positively affects cognitive functions, as do most antioxidants, which Gingko is rich in. It helps facilitate oxygen flow to the brain and improves mircro-vascular system circulation. This herb is being studied as a treatment or possibly prevention for Alzheimer’s Disease. I recommend taking an organic liquid extract (either alcohol based or alcohol free). My favorite brands are Gaia Herbs or Herb Pharm. Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeeding. Consult a doctor if you are taking other medications or look up contraindications as you would before taking any herbs.
The Mayo Clinic has information about this herb here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginkgo-biloba/NS_patient-ginkgo
A thorough article on Gingko research from the University of Maryland Medical Center can be accessed here:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm