Studying “smarter” is a topic of conversation that has come up quite a lot in my household lately. With one of my kids taking on a full load of AP classes as a Junior in High School and the other one starting his Freshman year in college, the challenges of staying on top of studying and homework loads has been REAL.
….and sure, there are a million ways to learn how to manage your time and avoid external distractions, but, let’s face it…the reality is that kids nowadays are more distracted than ever, and the amount of work they are expected to do and turn in is definitely more than anything I ever dealt with. This leads to burnout, exhaustion, and any number of mental health issues.
Now, while I am all about teaching my kids commitment, follow-through, and hard work, I am not the kind of mom that believes that her kids’ identity or merit is found in a GPA or a transcript. I want my kids to do well, work hard, and succeed, but not to the point that they feel like they can’t breathe. Why? Because I want them to be HAPPY. And for most kids, happiness isn’t found in a 6 hour homework session. Call me crazy. However, because they are at the mercy of whatever is assigned to them, I found myself researching natural ways that would help them get through the crunch times. Mind you, my high schooler’s workload is double that of her brother’s in college, but that may be something to dig further into at a later date!
So, along with some basic techniques and reminders to manage their time well, and use actual paper planners to keep track of their appointments and assignments, I have incorporated a few natural, safe, and effective supplements and treats to help them deal with their school loads and study smarter. Since many of you also have kids just recently heading away to college or back to high school, I thought I’d share what has been working great for my kids.
Just a quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and I always run supplements by our functional medicine docs, so I recommend you do the same before starting yourself or anyone in your family on any supplements.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s discuss some of the things I’ve added to my kids diets to help them with attention, memory, and focus. I also highly recommend that you check out @emonthebrain on Instagram and YouTube because she has amazing tips and tricks for helping your kids (and you too, if you need it!) when it comes to studying and all things brain related!
Rhodiola:
Rhodiola, often called nature’s brain booster, is a fantastic supplement for memory, focus, and studying, making it a real game-changer for teens and college students. This natural herb has been celebrated for years for its adaptogenic properties, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. When your kids are caught up in a whirlwind of academic demands, rhodiola comes to the rescue by reducing mental fatigue and enhancing cognitive function. It’s like an energy shot for your brain that supports memory retention, sharpens concentration, and keeps those all-night study sessions more productive. Plus, it doesn’t have the jitters and crashes associated with caffeine, making it a safe and effective choice for students looking to excel academically. So, whether your kids are prepping for a big exam or just trying to stay on top of your coursework, rhodiola could be their academic best friend. This is the brand I use in my home: https://amzn.to/3LIaulw
L-Theanine
L-Theanine, the calming companion to caffeine, is another great supplement for students seeking enhanced focus and reduced study-related jitters. Found naturally in green tea , L-Theanine is known for its ability to promote relaxation without drowsiness. When paired with caffeine, as often found in tea, it creates a harmonious synergy, elevating alertness and concentration while keeping stress and anxiety at bay. This makes it an ideal choice for students looking to stay composed and collected during exams or study sessions. L-Theanine offers the perfect balanced, clear-headed focus that can help your kids tackle even the most challenging academic tasks with a sense of calm confidence. This is one I take myself, because lord knows I need all the calm confidence I can get! I love this brand: https://amzn.to/3rxqP5y
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are like nature’s secret weapon for students striving to boost their cognitive abilities. Renowned for their unique appearance resembling a lion’s mane, these fungi offer an array of benefits for memory and mental acuity. Rich in compounds like hericenones and erinacines, Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production, crucial for brain health and the formation of new neurons. This translates into improved memory, enhanced concentration, and sharper cognitive performance. So when your kids are prepping for an important test or aiming to absorb complex study material more efficiently, Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be a huge help! Now, I’m not going to lie and say that Lion’s Mane will be a fast favorite in your household because they aren’t the tastiest thing out there, but I found some delicious and effective Lion’s Mane gummies by Fungies that my kids LOVE. Find them here: https://amzn.to/3RzITqi
BioLift Beverage
This is a new one to me and has already become a fast favorite for my son in college and his friends! Hailed as the world’s first focus drink, it is an all natural, completely delicious, soda-like beverage that has been clinically proven to enhance your ability to focus and stay alert with a proprietary blend of botanicals which include elderberry, ginkgo blob, guarana, and carob. I am not a fan of my kids drinking chemical and caffeine laden energy drinks, so BioLift has been the perfect alternative and, I’m not going to lie, it has been mommy’s little helper on some of my busiest days too! The fact that it is plant based and has a low glycemic index just add to the reasons why this stuff is so great! Find out more about this amazing drink at: BIOLIFT
These are a few of the all natural supplements that are helping my kids manage their academic lives without side effects or pharmaceuticals. I would much rather that they be able to get the 8-10 hours of sleep teen brains actually need, but the reality is that that is simply not going to happen. So, finding ways for them to nourish and support their brains is a mission that I like to think I’ve at least somewhat accomplished!
DISCLAIMER: As an affiliate, I make a small portion of sales made from some of the links in my blog.
