Natural Hacks

How the Heck Am I So Focused Today?

The Unexpected Clarity

Why, and how the heck, am I able to focus so well today?
Have I done something different? Not sure yet.

After a brief, two-second moment of reflection, I realise I’ve suddenly got this spike of energy and focus — a synergy that rarely occurs for me. I’ve welcomed it with open arms and decided to document my thoughts.

My Original ‘Hack’

My go-to ‘hack’ has always been exercise — a (healthy) addiction to a cocktail of natural chemicals: endorphins, endocannabinoids, dopamine.

Exercise is charming, versatile, and generous. All it asks in exchange is a bit (or sometimes a lot) of sweat and pain. The trade-off feels fair. It repays me with a bundle of amazing feelings — I’m calm, happy, motivated, energised — you name it.

Post-workout, I often find myself thinking, am I mad? How can my entire mental state shift so drastically — and for the better — in under an hour?

But no, I’m not mad. It’s all backed by science. It makes sense. Nothing mystical.Exercise as Therapy

Exercise has been one of my best mates over the years — always there when I need it. As someone who’s struggled with anxiety and hyperactivity, I’ve often felt robbed of my ability to focus.

Exercise gave me back some control. It became my natural way of optimising into a state of mental clarity and calm. These days, my focus craves it.

Wellness… With a Caveat

Wellness — a word thrown around a lot, both online and offline — has a shiny appeal. But behind the glossy branding, there’s a real conversation happening: one about natural biohacking, and how we can support our minds and bodies without relying on synthetic crutches.

I grew up in a culture of coffee. I still love it. But truthfully, I don’t think it brings out the best in me.

Exercise has helped. But wellness isn’t just about movement. A big part of that ‘optimised self’ comes from what we put into our bodies. After all, we are what we consume.

The Blessing (and Curse) of Choice

We’re living in an age of overwhelming choice. It’s exciting and exhausting — and somewhere between those two feelings, my focus starts to slip again.

Everyone’s searching for the ‘magic formula’ — that perfect blend to boost energy, soothe the gut, and sharpen the mind all in one.

Enter the Microbiome

The bacteria! We have roughly 39 trillion bacteria in our bodies — nearly as many as human cells.

There’s now a whole cast of scientifically-backed, gut-loving protagonists:

• Apple cider vinegar

• Collagen

• Adaptogens

• Nootropics

• Botanical extracts

It’s a long list — and honestly, fascinating to explore. Most of these are now showing up in supplement form, which is both practical and a little bit magical.

It’s Not a Complaint — It’s Excitement

We’re crossing a privileged bridge — one where we might be able to address our individual struggles (like my lack of focus), or chronic issues like bloating, fatigue, and anxiety, by finding natural solutions that work uniquely for us.

And let’s be honest — convenience matters.
Imagine just taking a natural pill or gummy and feeling focused, calm, or energised. OK, maybe superhuman is a stretch… but still — imagine.

The Joy of Self-Discovery

It’s exciting — learning to better understand your body and what it needs. It feels like a journey of discovery that’s both short-term and long-term. One that helps shape a version of yourself that feels more you.

No, I’m not saying we should all become self-optimisation-obsessed narcissists. But I’m also not here to demonise it. Details matter — and sometimes, the smallest intentional changes can have the biggest impact.

What I’m Trying Right Now

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with a few natural, science-supported ingredients:

• Lion’s Mane

• Ashwagandha

• Valerian Root

So far, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. In some cases, I’ve noticed improvements almost instantly — which is mind-blowing.

But I’m also aware: nothing works in isolation.
It’s the collective impact of the habits and ingredients I choose to bring into my daily routine that creates real, lasting change.