Increase concentration: Does CBD help with concentration problems?
Disclaimer:
In case you're wondering if CBD oil can help with concentration problems here's a little disclaimer:
CBD oil, unlike medical CBD used in studies, is regulated as a cosmetic in Germany. Since it cannot be sold as a dietary supplement due legal regulations, it should not be swallowed. In other countries such as the UK, however, CBD is already approved as a dietary supplement and can be consumed. To avoid confusion, we explicitly state that our statements refer to CBD in general and not to specific oils or products.
On the legal position of CBD in the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act:
There are numerous studies that provide evidence that CBD has various therapeutic properties and can provide support for many ailments. Since cannabidiol is currently covered by the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act, we are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims at this point. We would also like to point out that our products are not considered as medical preparations.
If concentration is lacking, performance at work, study or school can suffer considerably. Especially if the concentration problems occur not only occasionally after a long night or a stressful day, but repeatedly. In such a case, many sufferers look for solutions to strengthen their ability to concentrate. In addition to strategies and exercises for everyday life, various herbal remedies such as the non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant are said to help. Therefore, this article deals with what could be the cause of concentration difficulties, which methods can increase concentration, and whether CBD can be of help here.
Lack of concentration: What are the causes?
What helps against concentration difficulties?
Herbal remedies against lack of concentration
CBD as a remedy for lack of concentration
Concentration - this means directing one's attention specifically to an activity or a thought. People need this ability in all areas of life, and even several times a day, which is why concentration problems can also be a massive limitation. When they occur only for a short time and occasionally, medicine refers to them as concentration disorders. Longer-term or permanent problems are subsumed under the term poor concentration.
Lack of concentration: What are the causes?
Problems with concentration are usually not triggered by pathological causes. Rather, it is often one's own lifestyle that can lead to concentration difficulties. If it is difficult to concentrate, the following factors, among others, may be the cause:
- Stress, excessive demands and emotional strain
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of exercise
- Poor or unbalanced diet
- Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
- Excessive media consumption
- Increased consumption of caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol and drug consumption
- Side effects of medication and allergies
However, concentration difficulties can also be signs of a so-called attention deficit disorder, better known as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ADD (attention deficit syndrome). These are usually most pronounced in children, but can still be a significant burden in later adulthood. In addition to problems with concentration, ADD and ADHD are also associated with a variety of other symptoms, such as motor restlessness or hyperactivity.
In addition, physical and psychological causes can also trigger problems with concentration:
- Hypothyroidism
- Depression
- Menopause
- Anorexia
- Impaired vision or hearing
What helps against concentration difficulties?
If the concentration problems are the result of a physical or mental illness, then the causal diseases must be treated. However, if concentration problems occur non-specifically, the saving solution is not always obvious. A precise analysis of the individual lifestyle is helpful in identifying specific triggers. However, there is no guarantee that the symptoms will improve.
Increase concentration with the right lifestyle
What everyone affected can benefit from is a healthy lifestyle. Sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and enough exercise are fundamental prerequisites for boosting the ability to concentrate.
Media consumption can also influence a person's ability to pay attention. Modern everyday life is generally characterized by an overload of stimuli and information. For many people, technology and Internet consumption begins as soon as they wake up in the morning, continues at work in the office, and ends when they watch television before going to bed. This usage behavior can stress and overstimulate the body, disrupting concentration and sleep quality. For this reason, sufferers should try to avoid using technical devices such as the smartphone at least in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed.
Exercises to relax and focus
Work, family, household, private life - everyday life is full of challenges and can put quite a strain on the mind and body. This is a hindrance to concentration and performance. In order for those affected to be able to concentrate better, stress should be kept to a minimum. However, since this is not always in the hands of those affected, it is advisable to learn and regularly practice relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises or yoga.
Furthermore, regular rest, meditation and, of course, sports can also help to reduce stress.
Exercises to increase concentration
If too many thoughts are buzzing through your head again and you keep losing focus, then small concentration exercises, such as calculating cross sums or writing longer sentences backwards, can also help. These can easily be done at work or at home and can achieve long-term success if those affected do them regularly.
Other tips and tricks that can also increase concentration are:
- A clean tidy workspace to avoid distractions.
- Keeping a to-do list to avoid losing sight of important tasks.
- Avoiding multitasking: Working one task at a time.
- Create variety: Monotonous and boring tasks can weaken concentration.
- Cross-over movements: They help promote cooperation between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. For example, the right elbow can be brought to the left raised knee and the left elbow to the right raised knee alternately.
- Ear massage: To do this, the pinna of the ear must first be kneaded vigorously and then rubbed out towards the earlobes.
Herbal remedies for lack of concentration
Herbal remedies for poor concentration? For problems with attention, certain medicinal plants are also used, such as:
- Ginseng root: the Asian root is used to strengthen in case of feelings of fatigue and weakness, but also in case of declining performance and concentration.
- Ginkgo: The ginkgo extract can be used for memory loss and concentration difficulties.
CBD as a remedy for lack of concentration
Medical cannabidiol (CBD) has a broad therapeutic potential and numerous studies have already shown promising results regarding CBD and its effect on various diseases and ailments.
The diverse spectrum of effects is due to the fact that CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, which belong to the so-called endocannabinoid system. This "regulatory system" is part of the nervous system and is involved in various biological processes, such as the perception of pain, emotions, sleep or even inflammatory processes. Accordingly, CBD can have anxiety-relieving, calming and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. In addition, it is said to be able to positively influence the sensation of pain.
CBD and its effect on the brain
On the topics of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors, it should be noted that the receptors can be detected almost throughout the body. They are differentiated into cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Interestingly, CB1 are found predominantly in neurons in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and basal ganglia.
Some researchers the past have already set their sights on researching how exactly CBD affects the brain. In one study, researchers examined how CBD affects blood flow to brain regions involved in memory processing in 15 healthy volunteers. Indeed, it showed increased blood flow in the hippocampus.
This study result is certainly an important indication for further studies, but unfortunately it is not yet possible to clearly deduce that CBD could be the right means to increase concentration.
Medical CBD vs. freely available CBD oils
On the subject of medicinal CBD, however, it should also be noted that it should not be compared to freely available products, or, more importantly, that the study results should not be transferred to them on a one-to-one basis. Here is an overview of the differences:
- Medical CBD is extracted from the THC-rich cannabis plant and is a prescription drug due to its effects.
- In studies, researchers:use CBD extracts from cannabis, pure CBD, or pharmaceutical-grade synthetic CBD.
- In the case of the freely available CBD products, the CBD is extracted from the low-THC commercial hemp. Since manufacturers vary in processing and manufacturing, CBD products can vary significantly in quality.
Use of CBD for concentration problems
Although the study results cannot be completely transferred to freely available CBD oils, it can be assumed that CBD oil can cause effects in the body. Users hope that taking CBD oil will have anxiety-relieving and calming effects. If these occur, this would be an ideal basis to be able to concentrate better. As mentioned before, stress and overwork can significantly reduce the ability to concentrate.
FAQ
How to increase concentration while learning?
If there is a lack of focus when learning, concentration exercises are recommended. It is helpful, for example, to write a few sentences backwards or to calculate the sum of any number. These exercises are ideal for working or learning, do not overtax the mind, but can sharpen concentration. In addition, it is best to learn at a neat table without distractions from technical devices such as the smartphone. When concentration wanes due to stress or overwork, it's also a good idea to simply take a break. After a walk or a cup of tea and with more energy, concentrating is often much easier.
What increases concentration and performance?
The basis for high concentration and performance is a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, sufficient exercise and sleep, and controlled media consumption. A relaxed mind can also concentrate better than a stressed one. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, meditation, yoga, fitness exercises, sports or even concentration exercises can help sharpen focus.
Which remedies increase concentration?
Some people who have a problem with concentrating, it helps to take natural remedies. For example, certain medicinal plants such as ginseng root and ginkgo extract are said to provide improved focus and performance. CBD could also help relieve anxiety and promote relaxation, which in turn could have a positive effect on concentration and performance.
Can you learn to concentrate?
The ability to concentrate is as individual as the person themselves. Some people can concentrate better, some worse. In addition, there are numerous influencing factors athat can favor or impair concentration. For short-term success, those affected can increase their concentration with exercises. Other tips are: Keep to-do lists and work through each task individually. Clear your head with regular exercise and sport. Take care of your health and eat a balanced diet.
