Is a Neurotransmitter Imbalance to Blame for Your Procrastination?

We've all been there-- staring at a mountain of to-do's that we probably could have finished in one hour if we could just stop procrastinating and stay focused.

Often dismissed as a lack of willpower or irresponsibility, procrastination actually has a lot to do with neurotransmitter health. And spoiler alert- neurotransmitter health is something we can improve naturally. 

Neurotransmitters are very important chemical messengers that relay signals between nerve cells, influencing various aspects of our cognitive functions and emotions.

One neurotransmitter in particular, dopamine, plays a significant role in motivation and focus. Read on to learn how dopamine impacts productivity, focus, and motivation and what you can do to boost dopamine levels naturally.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters send signals between nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. These chemicals play a pivotal role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall cognitive functioning.

There are several types of neurotransmitters, each with its own distinct functions. Among them, dopamine stands out as a key player in motivation, reward, and focus.

The Role of Dopamine in Motivation and Focus

People often refer to dopamine as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because it plays an important role in the reward system. Dopamine is the brain's way of making you feel good and motivates you to do more of what you're doing.

When dopamine is balanced, we feel motivated to do things, enjoy doing them, and stay focused.

Research shows that activities like sex, eating, and getting positive feedback on social media can raise dopamine levels in the brain.

What causes low dopamine levels?

It seems counter-intuitive to think that any of us would have dopamine deficiency, considering the "dopamine detox" trend.

But that's exactly the problem- over time, the abundant release of dopamine (for some, in quantities that are abnormally high) causes a deficit in the brain: users experience less pleasure when we are not using social media because our dopamine is pushed to levels below baseline.

Aside from social media, things like video games, gambling, and drug use can have similar effects.

Low dopamine levels are also linked with certain conditions:

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Depression
• Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Balancing Dopamine Levels Naturally

When it comes to balancing dopamine, it's important to know about certain amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of neurotransmitters, and certain amino acids in particular help build dopamine.

The amino acids also require certain vitamin and mineral co-factors to support dopamine production. We can take these amino acids and co-factors in the form of supplements to help boost dopamine naturally!

Best supplements for focus and productivity:

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

Research suggests that L-Tyrosine, an amino acid, may restore and elevate dopamine levels depleted by stress. By boosting dopamine levels, L-Tyrosine helps minimize the effects of stress, while also improving focus, memory and concentration. 

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid best known to support memory, protect the brain, and boost metabolism. 

The amount of taurine in the brain decreases with age. A 2017 review posted to Brain Defects Research notes that taurine supplementation works to maintain taurine levels across the lifespan, and promote healthy long-term memory storage.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that can help lower feelings of stress while increasing concentration, memory and alertness. It also boosts dopamine and alpha brainwaves to promote a “wakeful relaxation” and creativity.

A 2019 study found that L-Theanine can lower your blood pressure while stressed, as well as protecting your cognition. 

Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid that turns fat from our food into energy. It also supports the release of dopamine, for increased focus, attention and motivation.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a key player in the synthesis of many neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and histamine.

B6 thus helps increase brain serotonin and dopamine levels to promote positive moods, mental energy, cognition, and overall brain health.

Attention Chews help you conquer your to-do's!

Attention Chews have all the necessary amino acids and co-factors to increase dopamine naturally and increase productivity. 

Even better, Attention Chews are stimulant-free. Most productivity supplements out there contain caffeine which can increase stress hormones. We intentionally crafted Attention Chews with vitamins and minerals that reduce stress instead.

*Please consult with your healthcare provider before trying new supplements for focus and productivity. This article does not diagnose or treat any condition, it is for educational purposes only.