The Science of Focus: 3 Key Neurotransmitters You Can Take Advantage of to Boost Productivity

Focus can vary greatly from day to day.

• 🔥 Some days — you’re on fire
• 😫 Other days — you’re constantly behind
• 😱 Willpower & planning are not the only solutions
• 🧠 Brain chemicals affect your ability to focus

3 key neurotransmitters you can take advantage of:

Acetylcholine

Increases focus on information and drown out distractions.

Think of it like a volume button for the important stuff and a mute button for the noise. Increasing Acetylcholine levels can improve your ability to focus on the task. Go from thought everywhere to laser beam focus.

Maintaining healthy Acetylcholine levels:

• Get good sleep
• Avoid caffeine before bed
• Practice mindfulness, meditation or yoga
• Eat foods rich in choline (eggs, fish & spinach)

Dopamine

Helps you steer your focus in the right direction based on past knowledge and experiences.

It’s like a guide for attention, leading us towards what’s important and away from what’s not. By boosting Dopamine levels, you can create positive triggers & habits. If something feels good you’ll be drawn towards it.

Dopamine can work for or against you.

Dopamine is also associated with reward-seeking behaviour, which can lead to distractions such as social media use. Create positive Dopamine loops and avoid returning to quick negative hits.

Form helpful Dopamine habits:

• Set time limits on tasks
• Reward yourself for completing tasks
• Spend time with friends and loved ones
• Add positive emotional anchors to tasks and outcomes

Norepinephrine

Helps keep you alert and ready to take action.

It’s like a spark that ignites your attention and fuels action. Increase Norepinephrine to encourage action. Action will feel more automatic and less like a heavy lift.

Encourage good Norepinephrine:

• Get enough sleep
• Find new challenges
• Take short breaks & get outdoors
• Consume caffeine from coffee, tea or chocolate