I used focus pills to finish my dissertation

Do focus supplements REALLY help productivity? A uni student tries the nootropics hype. One thing that actually DOES help my workflow is Notion. Sign up for Notion here: ntn.so/itsdivya
The best long term strategy for focus is sufficient sleep, exercise and a healthy diet as well as stress management. Like how people drink multiple cups of coffee to help with alertness, another option are food supplements called nootropics that claims to enhance your memory without the caffeine crash. Do they work? Are they placebo?
In this video I tried a legal food supplement for five days to see if it had any short term effects on my performance as I raced towards a dissertation proposal.
Like any dietary supplement, please do not purchase or use supplements without consulting your GP. Any supplement or enhancer can be prone to misuse which can have negative impact on your health and wellbeing.
What are nootropics?
They are substances that affect your cognitive function. A lot of them claim to improve various things such as memory, motivation, focus or even calmness.
They can be classified under a few categories:
Prescription
Synthetic compounds
Dietary supplements
The one present in this video is a nutritional supplement that complies with UK regulatory agencies.
Are they safe?
The long term impact of these nootropics in large studies have not been investigated.
Some potential side effects include: anxiety, headaches, anxiety and
insomnia. Some shift the brain’s levels of neurotransmitters - its effects in the long run has not been investigated. Changing your brain plasticity can be associated with poorer cognitive function.
There is a risk for individuals to misuse nootropics which carry its own additional risks to brain function, cardiovascular health and other.
Nootropics affect individuals differently. You must seek medical advice before using - especially imperative if you have any existing medication or medical conditions.
Will it work?
Nootropics have shown benefits for brains with memory impairments or learning deficits.
A recent study by Schifano et al. (2022) found the use of cognitive enhancers to be "paradoxical" in healthy brains - could lead to short and long term cognitive decline, addictive behaviour and other health complications as it is a stimulant. So, it was uncertain if it will help healthy individuals and further studies are needed to determine if it is safe for long-term usage.
Individual supplements will contain different ingredients at different levels.
The combination will have varying effects on individuals.
The one in the video contains many including:
L-tyrosine - amino acid which may improve working memory
Enhanced Matcha Theanine - amino acid which may improve memory. Inconclusive evidence to support benefits.
Guarana seed - plant used in energy drinks. Contains caffeine, stimulant. Not safe in large quantities.
My experience:
Attention, focus and alertness was prominent in the first 2 days of single dosage use (2 in a day in the morning on an empty stomach with lots of water). The focus was gradual increase and peaked at around 2-3 hours after ingestion.
The focus helped me to think more clearly and was easier for me to continue tasks for longer periods of time without getting distracted.
Day 3 onwards I did not feel much. I had two doses in a day on day 3. I was mostly fuelled by my own stress and deadline.
My personal side effects:
Increased thirst
Nausea (Could be my anxiety)
Resources:
Schifano, F., et al. (2022) Benefits and Harms of Nootropics in Healthy Individuals - doi.org/10.1007/s40265-022-01...
Talih, F., & Ajaltouni, J. (2015). Probable Nootropicinduced Psychiatric Adverse Effects: A Series of Four Cases - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Lorca, C. et al. (2022) Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition - doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021...
Suliman, N. A., et al. (2016). Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. - doi.org/10.1155/2016/4391375
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 my struggle with concentration
01:20 the supplement
02:15 day 1
04:17 how i use notion (ad)
06:42 day 2
08:05 day 3
09:33 day 4
10:43 day 5
12:00 overview of my experience
• • • • • • • • • • •
✶ MY LINKS ✶
BUSINESS ENQUIRIES
↪ [e-mail]
TWITTER
↪ / itsdivyag
INSTAGRAM
↪ / itsdivyag
TIKTOK
↪ / itsdivyag
GOODREADS
↪ / divya-g
(my account is set to private so to add me as a friend on a desktop)
✶ VIDEO DETAILS ✶
CAMERA
↪ Canon 650D
VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
↪ Premiere Pro CC
THUMBNAIL
↪ Photoshop CC
INTRO ARTIST
↪ / cherryinferno

[@itsdivyag]

Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this video! I finally took the plunge and have been using it to organise my dissertation and youtube work. If you want to get Notion you can sign up here: ntn.so/itsdivya . Using my link to download it helps support my channel! A bit of a different video for you guys today! A note on nootropics: I've put some additional health information in the description if you're interested. The one used in this video is classified as a food supplement and is manufactured in the UK with natural ingredients. I looked up the individual ingredients before purchase. I've heard of people using teas to help anxiety, caffeine tablets, energy drinks etc. You can find claims of "brain boosting" supplements in your local Holland And Break The Bank Account Barrett. As someone who struggles a lot with concentration and motivation, I wanted to experiment to see if it was a placebo or if it would have an effect on me as it sounded too good to be true. I really think sorting out sleep and exercise is the way to go in the long run but when you're on an extremely tight course it feels like you're being stretched in so many places. I'm not sure about how well focus pills would work for longer periods of time. I didn't want to use it for more than a week straight mostly because I'm a bit wary about how it might affect my brain (negatively). Whilst I wouldn't call it healthy but any means I personally think for a short-term boost once in a while it should be okay. (Not a doctor so don't quote me on this). The one I used has mostly positive reviews but it can be mixed which goes to show it really depends on the individual. I would love to hear any tips (non pill related) that you guys use to help you!

[@WYYYE]

With this you've helped TRW Students all over, thank you

[@teighanwright1184]

true

[@lorand_hero1129]

im here for the same thing

[@tin_dr]

welcome to the real world

[@curtisbibbs4799]

Road to riches fellas

[@ridvanodabasi3484]

Same here

[@TheBookLeo]

this thumbnail though !! the yt algorithm better eat that up

[@itsdivyag]

hahaha yt algorithm bane of all of our existence

[@100mgchillpillprescription9]

honestly my main way of getting through coursework was writing a silly nonsense draft and going back to it when I got tired of the actual draft bc the funnies would sometimes unlock Thoughts; thanks for the content g

[@itsdivyag]

oooh what do you mean by nonsense? like a bad first draft or actual waffle? interesting technique!!

[@100mgchillpillprescription9]

@@itsdivyag like if I needed to research something (like historical context) but was not in the mood to sift through jstor essays for reference I would just make up stuff that I thought was funny and slightly relevant; or I would type up analysis like as if was explaining it over text to a friend - I would try to stick to the overall structure so it was organised mess in case I actually came up with something good (I found the process more helpful than just staring at a barebones bullet point plan :)

[@userjay912]

its almost midnight, mind not functioning and i have work to do but this comment is my fav

[@itsdivyag]

@@100mgchillpillprescription9 haha I love this it’s also creative

[@100mgchillpillprescription9]

@@userjay912

[@umeravvan2265]

Am I the only who's is here from HU for research on copywriting topic

[@CashConqueror101]

I'm on the welcome sequence bro, lot's of good current situation topics here aha

[@filippocosentino9978]

so am I aha

[@kokhodze_178]

keep up the work G! We're gonna get it done and become first millionaires in our families!

[@umeravvan2265]

@@kokhodze_178 💪🏻

[@daninikolov3899]

How many of us are here XDD

[@onnit3785]

TRW (the real world) copywriting mission 4 got me here.

[@lawliet7741]

same

[@onnit3785]

@@lawliet7741 I hope you win in life G, and make so much money in The Real World skills. And escape the matrix.

[@phelan206]

same bro keep hustling

[@wavybentley2447]

we here!

[@beastbane]

💪💪💪

[@jpsgomes2094]

Watching you study really motivated me, guess i’ll get some things done. Thanks!!

[@cameron2538]

Congratulations on lots of subscribers. The G stands for great things the future holds. 🥺🥺

[@thesmilingkaizen]

You made my copywriting assignment 100 times easier Thank you. TRW

[@MindfulElevationn]

HOW'S IT GOING NOW. I JUST STARTED TRW!

[@m.uzmaanroohi2846]

Same here Brodha

[@umeravvan2265]

@@MindfulElevationn How's the progress, have u start earning?

[@ekam_ox]

@@umeravvan2265 how far u have gone g?

[@lindajohnson4204]

Everytime that I get new glasses, I feel like I can see individual leaves. My posture improves automatically. Then it all goes back like it was.

[@itsdivyag]

omg i love how this experience is something we all share ahha

[@Mxrvx_26]

This sounds so similar to how I feel taking medication for my ADHD, like deadline's stress motivating me, the brain fog, being able to see leaves in details. I don't unfortunately have that many tricks, but I work better when someone else around me also works. It motivates me like a body double kinda. So I study at the library mostly or if I can't go there vidcall friends and study together. If those two don't work, I try study with me videos or lofi or focus music playlists. I would kinda interested to try these at some point to see if it would work for me.

[@juliadupont7252]

I sympathize so much with you because this was me a year and a half ago haha I think I have a few tips (going to use the word « help » a lot 😉). To me There is a difference between « focus and study tips for everyday life » and « how to I function with a dissertation due in 3 weeks, a part time job and a few essays ». For the first situation there are many videos on YT, studygram etc that are great resources, but for the second? Focusing on the finish line when you get so tired that you just want it over helps, having some light structure is good when there is no motivation that day just the need to work as much as you can - like you did, going to uni, doing a body doubling session on Facetime with a friend, having dinner with your housemates at a specific hour, and waking up at the same time everyday even if you only get 2h of sleep, otherwise your sleeping pattern being very off might add extra anxiety. Of course naps throughout the day are nice, comfort tv shows are well, comforting if you commute by bus/train. I would add that drinking lots of water helps because your body is going through a lot and needs it to keep going until the final day of that difficult period of time. Finally try and ask for help because there is a chance that your loved ones are seeing you having a rough time and feel powerless to help you sometimes, so dont hesitate to ask for a little bit more temporary support. Also if at all possible, seeking professional medical support is great (ie therapy).*This is only my opinion based on personal experience*. Hope this helps :)

[@mistymoooooor]

very cool video! I like how you disclosed side effects n stuff in the description

[@lordfreerealestate8302]

Damn I'm early and leaving a comment for the algorithm! One of the ways I find my depression keeps manifesting is lack of focus. And my anxiety and perfectionism often manifest as procrastination as well.

[@itsdivyag]

that last sentence describes my entire existence. i hope you have found ways to cope with it and if not that it gets better for you

[@maggiescarlet]

I'm starting my MSc in September, so it was good to get a peek into my future (but also my past cause I was grinding like that for my BEng in May lol)... Definitely gonna get Notion, thanks Divya you really are a G!

[@maggiescarlet]

Also you're serving looks in this video, love your red shirt and the bangzzz

[@itsdivyag]

You got this! AA congratulations on graduating and now doing a whole masters!! You'll ace it :)

[@maggiescarlet]

@@itsdivyag thank you so much, best of luck finishing yours off you smart cookie 😁

[@isthatachicken]

Your battery just surviving the entire time lapse? BLESS Also, thank you for this very detailed video and of course providing a time frame for how long it works😅

[@davidxguitar]

you're so funny, i loved watching your vids/timelapse, i might actually give Focus pills b/c I'm in a pinch, i broke my knee one month before undergrad graduation, it's so hard to focus and get motivated, I'm adapting to this new way of life before I take master's classes next semester, only when I kick butt and finish this semester strong! Your vid rocks. love the poetic romance hahahah and your sense of humor!

[@jeywithane130]

"the clouds lifted a little bit" yep, that's exactly how it feels like. i don't take the pro ones bc they taste blegh and make me feel sick, but the blue original ones are a definitely staple in winter for me where i could literally sleep all day every day. it's just like you said it in the beginning, the vision just feels clearer, and even if that's not magic (might just be the caffeine lol) at least it's smth

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree8204]

You comment really caught my attention when you mentioned that you could sleep all day every day in the winter. THIS IS SO CRAZY BIZARRE to me, cuz I'm the exact the opposite. I CAN NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME STAY AWAKE IN THE SUMMER!!! SOOO SERIOUS!!! My body just completely shuts down like I go into hibernation all summer!!🤣🤣😏😳😟😫🥱 So this is wild to hear this. Although I believe I have a sleep disorder called Idiopathic hypersomnia. (Not been diagnosed yet) But I take Modafinil 200mg 2× day and it does NOTHING for me. Kinda why I've been warping my brain trying to research ANY and EVERYTHING to see what's legit and works and what don't. But ya, your comment stood out as your the first person I've personally ever heard say something like this.🤨🤔

[@jeywithane130]

@@thetruthwillsetyoufree8204 hi! this winter ive started taking vit d and magnesium and that also helped a lot! but what you describe is what my mother goes through and she has very very low blood pressure, and the heat amplifies that. maybe you have that as well? any way, though, i hope you find a good way to deal with it soon!

[@libby1538]

I like to physically write all of the tasks I need to get down to get them out of my head, and for bigger tasks that I'm not motivated to start, I break them up into smaller sections. Whenever I finish a section or a task, I cross it out and that gives me enough motivation to start another task so I can cross another thing out. Sometimes it's helpful for me to take a little break after completing a task and I'll come back refreshed and motivated, but sometimes it just drains the motivation out of me more. I also like to use productivity/reading sprints liveshows for tasks I don't want to start because it takes my phone out of my hand, makes it occupied with something, and forces me to actually start the task. As long as it's a creator that I like, and they're fairly consistent in keeping with the short break timer, it works out really well for me

[@mukulraj9044]

First time someone making herself a Guinea pig. yes , G stands for Guinea pig . Early 20s make you weird doesn't it?

[@itsdivyag]

This is a good one. And yes the early 20's is like wading through a mud and having this urge to get our life sorted

[@starsINSPACE]

I got tested for sleep apnea because I felt like my executive functioning was terrible and I was always fatigued. Turns out I have sleep apnea so I now use a CPAP. At first I felt like the CPAP was helping but I overestimated it. Now I think I really need to go back to the sleep doctor and ask for a stimulant. But I hate going to the doctor so I keep putting it off...ETA: I have been on Modafinil (Provigil) now for two weeks. It helps a lot. Not perfect, I'm on a lower dose to start, but really dramatic difference!

[@isthatachicken]

please please go to the doctor

[@itsdivyag]

deffo try go doctor asap!

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree8204]

I feel you, I believe I have Idiopathic hypersomnia (not been tested yet) But I see a psychiatrist and counselor together and the psych prescribed me Modafinil as well. I'm on the highest MG which is 200mg and I take it 2×day and at first for the first wk, it worked GREAT for me! I was a brand new person! The feeling I got was indescribable!!! I had soo much energy...just having energy period was so strange to me as I don't know what that's like...to feel "normal." Ever since I can remember I've always been this way. I remember always having trouble getting up in morning. And I would always fall asleep in school. Of course I didn't have the best mother or life period growing up so she never cared enough to take me to doc even tho teachers would always send home letters for her to sign saying things like I'm always falling asleep in class and that I need to get more rest at home. Little did they know, soon as I got home I would take a nap, then many times I would go to bed about 7pm thinking maybe that would help. Of course it did nothing. But as I got older, this sleep disorder got waay worse. Went to doc, they check me for basics and everything comes back perfect, they put me on depression meds and I would sleep more on those. Finally yrs later I did my own research, and diagnosed myself with Idiopathic hypersomnia. No I'm no doc, but I can put money on it, guarantee that's what I have. I've done that much research. And let me tell you, there was alot of face injuries in doing so as I would fall asleep with my phone in hand and would wake myself up by smacking my face with📱🤣🤣🤣😂😏🤦‍♀️ But the psych I'm seeing now is AWFULLY, TERRIBLY, HORRIBLE to say the least!! And apparently it's hard to find and get another psych and can take a long time just to get in to be seen. But the psych I see now LIES sooooo much, and she won't try another med. She said I need to see a sleep doc first. I was like OK cool. Let's set it up can u give me a referral. Supposedly there was only 2 sleep specialist around and she asked me which one I preferred. And supposedly she had sent over a referral to that doc and said they would call me. I waited no call. Go back to psych month later tell her, she sent email and called and said they would call. Waited...no call. Then I ended up getting the plandemic poison crap, so I missed the next appt. Came back following month, and psych wasn't in but talked to counselor and she said that psych said there wasn't a sleep doc around. So now their playing whatever bs games and won't prescribe another med.🙄 so I just pretend that the Modafinil works to keep getting it cuz I found out it does work if I wait at least 5 days (the longer the better effects I get) it will work. Crazy weird! But don't work for me on daily basis.😕 and I don't know about u, but it gives me SEVERE BRAIN FOG! I feel so ign0r@nt when taking it. 😳😪 But here I am, back to square one trying to find something anything that will keep me awake and give me energy!!!!!! Everybody tells me to drink coffee but I'm Caffeine sensitive bad.

[@jude2828]

Needed that hug. No one tells you that uni life is tough m8 ❤

[@matthewg.kazmierzak373]

I got through college and I'm now a high school English teacher and I can't focus on anything for more than an eighth of a second. I mean my students love that I'm easy to distract, but grading papers do be a little hellish.

[@mikeramos7651]

Watching this because your purtttyyy!

[@jackskellington9570]

For me I tried original and pro. Even when taking six of them 40 minutes before eating and couldn't notice even subtle changes. The last three things I have to try is try them at minimum an hour before eating, break them open and mix them in water, or both.

[@Iamnotyourmom]

Wish I knew a tip to share but I've got the same issue. Though if I'm working on the computer, playing one of those "Study with me!" videos keeps me a smidge focused.

[@itsdivyag]

I actually haven't tried this maybe I'll try that next time tyy

[@moonkrane]

I was like that my entire life, uni was a struggle, turned out I had undiagnosed ADHD

[@torenielsen9993]

Darn, not the solution to all my problems then. (So happy I'm done with uni. Not a great time in my life).

[@beastbane]

Yeah fuk uni, it fuks our brain like a terminator.

[@Sal0_o]

Its 15 on amazon. But did you have coffee during the day or stayed away

[@kowi13luk]

I'm getting old. Last year I finished my masters. Today I'm kinda excited to pull an all nighter for work (I hate the idea of making an effort above what is needed at work, but my company closes this month so i need to finsh a project so at least there is some money). I think the perspective of unemployment fucked my brain.

[@itsdivyag]

One last hurrah. I hope you find another role that suits you soon! Personally I hate all nighters so much but can't seem to escape them.

[@userjay912]

this resonated w me sm

[@humyrahfatima]

Oh god.. story of my life. My problem is that I always grossly underestimate the time I need to get the work done and then I kinda rush, do it last minute 🤡

[@sachamcmillan5632]

How do people do things? How did I ever do anything I’ve ever done?? If anyone knows lmk

[@mergesviz]

I always go for a walk or do something physical when my brain is done. But the issue is after my workout my brain and body is done so no I don’t recommend it

[@itsdivyag]

hahha i get like this after i exercise as well i just feel so accomplished i do nothing... but walks are great!

[@helenabeatrizzz2586]

as a fellow veggie: do you take your b12? i mean, uni is brutal, but the fact that you felt something taking a multi might mean something after all

[@itsdivyag]

I take a multivitamin everyday (maybe not consistently) that has B12! Not sure if B12 is something I should take as a single or if it work just as well in a multi hmm

[@helenabeatrizzz2586]

​@@itsdivyag from my experience, it is best to take b12 as a single. Maybe talk to your gp about checking your b12 level in a blood test to see if your levels are adaquate. brain fog, fatigue and other symptons like leg cramps are indication of deficiency! unfortunatly, most people are deficient in b12, but vegans and vegetarians are at high risk

[@itsdivyag]

@@helenabeatrizzz2586 great advice thank you!! 🙏

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree8204]

Leg cramps also typically means that your lacking Magnesium. I know, cuz I use too get real bad leg cramps until I started taking a magnesium supplement daily and it works fantastic!

[@sagnikdas6049]

Took me 26 years to be here

[@sagnikdas6049]

I liked melatonin. So I bought some focus pills. Felt it's just some ayurvedic supplements

[@Litloom1]

At least I’m not bothering with uni DAMN These master degrees sucks all the life force out of any person But Yeah Focusing is hard when you’re environment is not that good, working with other people always helps.

[@TheMarissaHope]

“Oh yeahhh, she’s a good influencer” 😂

[@selamkibrom7272]

What are u studying love?

[@sagnikdas6049]

Not looking forward to what I bought now lol

[@honesthumanoid]

fr fr tho we need to have coffee sometime

[@ekam_ox]

Anyone here from Copywriting campus guys? 💀

[@bappibhai1]

Consult a doctor to prescribe modafinil😁 It doesn't improve focus directly but, it makes you awake for a long time so you can force yourself to focus without sleepiness

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree8204]

I only wish Modafinil (Provigil) worked for me. I'm prescribed it 200 MG 2×day and it does absolutely NOTHING for me!!!🥺😭😭 It worked the first wk GREAT, but now I can sleep all day everyday on it!! And doc won't give me something else to try. Idiopathic hypersomnia really sucks, and ruins lives BIIIG TIME!🥺😥😢😭😭😭😭 I ONLY WISH I COULD FIND SOMETHING OVER THE COUNTER that truly works in keeping one AWAKE and gives ENERGY that I so DESPERATELY NEEEEEEEEE!!!😭

[@giftynanor7382]

Are there side effects on brain pills

[@beastbane]

Yeah absolutely, brain pills will make your brain extremely small than your middle finger. (When you're a NPC)

[@Plexuz0]

I'm not sure about how I feel about this new Divya video genre, where she just suffers and gets deeply tired in timelapses. Won't someone help her? 🥺

[@sreenath2830]

Are you from Nort East India or from Nepal?

[@MwelwaOnCos]

Gosh Divya is beautiful

[@innamarielle5329]

You look too pretty 🔥

[@itsdivyag]

Thank you so much 😀

[@atometscrub9961]

sounded like you were able to work because you ate kfc wich is not 100% carbs compared to those noodle doodles.

[@Litloom1]

Any TRW G’s Here 😅

[@YTCTrends]

Yoo

[@mohammedahmed4586]

We're all gonna make it Gs

[@saimsiddiqui2650]

can you give me the link to TRW discord channel?

[@AbdulRaheem-io5nk]

Yes i can ​@@saimsiddiqui2650

[@krishna-nb6hv]

Thought g was gangster?

[@Franky566]

it is literaly just a glorified multi-vitamin.