Hey all,
Just wondering how I can increase focus/concentration? I keep on thinking about other things while doing PT questions. I take longer than I should/could on questions.
I starting meditation right now every morning.
Is there anything else anyone recommends?
Comments
I used to make mine in a shaker cup. Blended is nice. Now I actually just take the oil separately like a junkie and then drink coffee.
Raw coconut oil (http://www.amazon.com/Artisana-Organic-Raw-Virgin-Coconut/dp/B0128XYMGY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446483764&sr=8-1&keywords=artisana+coconut+oil) and true grass fed/pastured (ideally raw) butter is fine. IMO, you gotta go full hippie on this one. Otherwise you're wasting your time.
Can i correctly assume that you've replaced the butter with this?
I started out with the Bulletproof brand beans but have experimented with other coffees as well. There are sources out there that'll attempt to debunk the science behind the Bulletproof beans that Dave Asprey puts out. I won't go into all that here, but like with all things, you can find studies that will say yes and no to just about anything. I go on how I feel. I haven't noticed a difference between BP beans and others.
The Brain Octane oil is awesome and is a very high quality MCT oil. It is a little expensive so I don't use it all of the time. I'll usually sub in organic extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil which is loaded with MCTs as well, just not as concentrated.
I usually load it with butter. 3 tablespoons of local and raw butter from only grass fed cows. Again, I can speak for hours about the benefits of raw grass-fed milk and butter (well, not to the lactose intolerant crowd... poor souls), but I won't muddy the water. I usually get my best studying done early in the morning (or late at night when working third shift). Having the butter first thing keeps the hunger pains away... sometimes until lunch. It is still nourishing your body with vitamins and nutrition, but the nagging hunger feeling isn't there. This is where a lot of the increase in concentration has come from for me personally.
Like @nicole.hopkins said above, you have to embrace your inner hippie. BP coffee can be incredibly satisfying and make you feel great, but if you don't use high quality ingredients, there's no benefit and possibly detrimental effects depending on what you're using. I haven't missed a morning of it for a year.... and I hope I never miss one.
If you're just using regular coconut oil then I'd probably mix it with butter. Wow such flavor. Many lovely fats. Or you could just do coconut oil.
Top rec is the Brain Octane ... Otherwise, try it out and see what you think!
The BulletProof beans are just benefitting from marketing. The beans are in no real way part of the "bulletproof" experience. It's the MCT's and other fats.
Very well could be. I just got back from the local farm with all kinds of goodies. Including BACON!!!.... raised and fed the right way!
Dead on. Asprey is a master marketer (or hired someone who is). The beans tasted great, but didn't provide the caffeine kick that I am accustomed to now. And, $85 for 5 lbs started to hurt after a little while.
So far I started trying to meditate, like mentioned, using this app called "Headspace," but we'll see if it works. And, I jog every morning for about 30 to 40 min. Plus, I started eating healthy and reading.
I was wondering if there is anything else I can do?
Am I on the right track, and will have to wait for awhile to see change in my concentration level?
I've been using Headspace for meditation and once you pass the basic levels you can proceed to visualization techniques that work specifically on improving your focus. To see results you have stay with it. Make it a daily practice. Sam Harris is also great and accessible via youtube.
Fueling your body with the good stuff - foods high in Omega-3's, supplements like spirulina and magnesium to reduce tension, complex carbs from whole grains, plants plants plants etc. Of course, plenty of H20 and 8 hours of sleep.
A consistent exercise routine has been paramount - it's enabled me to focus on proper form and being present for that specific period of time, both of which translate on the exam. Whenever I'm extra critical of myself or stressed or I just need to get out of my own LSAT bubble, I opt for a yoga class.
I've tried to lay off the coffee, though I still have one cup in the morning because I enjoy it so damn much. For focus, I drink matcha green tea (quality is also huge for this) and/or yerba mate. I find both give me a steady (non-jittery) alertness that continues throughout the day.
Essential oils that promote focus and concentration. I can't think of the name of the one that I use, but they sell on Amazon and Whole Foods.
Reading, podcasts (specifically, the thinking lsat - valuable dialogue).
In my opinion, a holistic approach is the best. I think all of these habits will serve you well, not only on the LSAT but throughout your life.
I'm going to try Bulletproof oil too! Thanks guys
Also, it's important to only make one change to a given system at a time ... For instance, make one change to the diet and one change to the habits, etc.