10 Supplements That Help Boost Motivation

While motivation is largely a mental state, some things may help you stay motivated throughout the day. Some supplements have been scientifically proven to aid with mood and even increase your drive. When taking these supplements, keep in mind that they should be taken as directed on their packaging or by a professional.

1. VITAMIN D

A study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Vitamin D could help improve mood. Additionally, it has been suggested that low levels of Vitamin D are correlated with depression and fatigue. The researchers found that people who had an adequate intake of Vitamin D were less likely to be depressed or fatigued than those who did not get enough Vitamin D in their diets.

2. CITRULLINE MALATE

Citrulline Malate is a supplement used for improving cardiovascular function by increasing blood flow to muscles, which may allow you to train harder, thus helping you stay motivated while increasing your muscle mass. While there are no large-scale studies on Citrulline Malate's effect on motivation, a study out of Auburn University's Department of Health and Human Performance found that men were more motivated to lift weights when taking a supplement containing Citrulline Malate versus a placebo.

3. CAFFEINE

A recent study from the Psychopharmacology journal confirmed what many already know: Caffeine can give you energy. The researchers administered caffeine to regular caffeine consumers and found press reports were more positive about the news articles written by reporters who had consumed caffeine. They also gave participants caffeinated drinks before conducting cognitive tasks and found they performed better on them than subjects who received the same amount of caffeine but did not have any during the day beforehand.

4. CAFFEINE PILLS

Finally, while there isn't much research on this yet, ingesting caffeine in the form of pills is thought to help you wake up and stay alert. It may also improve your mood because of its effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and motivation.

5. L-THEANINE

L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea that has similar effects to caffeine. A study out of Macquarie University found that people who took 200mgs of L-Theanine were more accurate while performing a task while experiencing less stress than those given a placebo. The researchers concluded that having small doses of L-Theanine would not only reduce anxiety but increase attention span and feelings of wellbeing too.

6. OCTOPAMINE

Octopamine is a chemical compound found in the skin of an octopus. The substance has been used to treat depression because it acts similar to caffeine. Like L-Theanine, octopamine works by increasing dopamine levels in your brain if taken at the right time, thus improving mood and motivation. While there aren't many studies on this specific supplement, using other forms of amphetamine or stimulants can cause serious health problems or even death due to high surges in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

7. FISH OIL

Fish oil is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve mood and cognitive function. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people given fish oil for 12 weeks had improved memory and ability to absorb information than those who took a placebo. The researchers also concluded that the participants had an overall improved sense of well-being.

8. CILOSTAZOL

Cilostazol is a medication used to treat symptoms of intermittent claudication (pain or cramping caused by poor blood flow and oxygen to muscles and nerves). However, cilostazol has also been linked to increased levels of dopamine in the brain along with better motivation as compared to those taking a placebo. A study from the University of Texas found cilostazol helped participants focus on a task for longer by increasing their dopamine levels, which led them to work harder and be more motivated. The fact that it's been linked to increased motivation is a bonus considering many reported feeling less tired during the day after taking it.

9. RACETAMS

Racetams are a class of drugs that were originally used as memory enhancers and cognitive function agents but have since evolved into everyday stimulants and nootropics (a term used to refer to supplements meant to improve cognitive ability). Examples include piracetam and pramiracetam, both of which have been shown in studies out Oxford University to increase feelings of energy and motivation. Additionally, piracetam has been linked to improved verbal memory whereas pramiracetam enhances visual memory.

10. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is a botanical supplement that has been used by the Chinese and Russians for many years as a natural way to increase energy levels, decrease stress and improve memory. As with most nootropics, this supplement works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain which assists in your overall mood. In clinical studies involving people taking Rhodiola Rosea, these subjects also reported having a greater ability to concentrate on tasks without becoming tired or stressed easily.

Conclusion:

As you can see, many legal supplements work as well or maybe even better than their prescription-only counterparts. The best part is they're all-natural and have few to no reported side effects.

Author Bio:

Sarah has been writing for a decade and now for the online quran classes uk Website. She obtained her Master’s degree at the University of London. Her main objective is to write insightful content for those people who read and like it.