The Stack

1. Caffeine, from a study point of view, is the most effective nootropic when it comes to focus. It works as a stimulant that increases alertness and focus. Depending on what your coffee rituals are, you can experience the effects of caffeine from between 50-300mg. A single shot of espresso is on average 63mg while a double shot is around 126mg.

2. Tied in at the same effectiveness as caffeine, from a focus point of view, is l-theanine the compound found in green tea. L-theanine is well-researched and shown to improve cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring attention, particularly in combination with caffeine. L-theanine can also reduce the jitteriness and anxiety that caffeine alone can cause. A cup of green tea provides around 10mg of l-theanine so to feel the impact you may need to supplement.

3. Lastly is l-tyrosine, an amino acid. I chose this as when it comes to needing focus, particularly in intense situations (when you have a deadline or need to complete a challenging piece of work), l-tyrosine is particularly effective under conditions of stress or fatigue, as it helps replenish depleted neurotransmitter levels.

4. A bonus focus nootropic is Alpha-GPC (as when it comes down to individuality, these supplements can differ in effect, so it’s always good to have an extra option just in case the above don’t have the desired outcome). A cholinergic compound that delivers choline to the brain, supporting acetylcholine production (the neurotransmitter involved in memory and attention). Alpha-GPC enhances cognitive function, including focus, memory, and learning.