Focus and Being Calm Issues for Adults Aged 18-42
As an adult between ages of 18-42, you want to support your mental wellbeing and thrive. Improving focus and managing impulsivity are key skills that can enhance your personal and professional lives. This post compiles a variety of helpful resources, from books and supplements to websites and TED Talks, all aimed at promoting mind and body health for better focus and impulse control.
Recommended Books
- “The Power of Now“ by Eckhart Tolle – Cultivate mindfulness and live in the present moment to overcome impulsivity. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Power of Habit“ by Charles Duhigg – Understand the science of habit formation and learn strategies to improve focus and self-control. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “Mindset“ by Carol S. Dweck – Discover how a growth mindset can enhance resilience and influence behavior. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “Essentialism“ by Greg McKeown – Identify what truly matters, eliminate distractions, and lead a more focused, fulfilling life. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Willpower Instinct” by Kelly McGonigal – Explore the science of self-control and learn exercises to strengthen willpower and overcome impulsivity. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “Flow“ by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Understand the concept of flow and how to create optimal conditions for deep focus and immersion. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- “The Organized Mind” by Daniel J. Levitin – Gain insights from neuroscience to manage information overload, reduce mental clutter, and improve focus. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1000-2000 mg combined EPA/DHA daily for cognitive function and mood regulation. [LINK]
- Magnesium: 200-400 mg daily to reduce anxiety and improve focus. [LINK]
- Zinc: 15-30 mg daily to support cognitive function and mood. [LINK]
- Vitamin D: 600-2000 IU daily, as deficiency is linked to mood disorders and cognitive issues. [LINK]
- B Vitamins: Balanced B-complex for neurotransmitter synthesis, cognitive function, and mood. [LINK]
- Probiotics: Strain-specific dosages for gut-brain connection, potentially improving mood and cognition. [LINK]
- Rhodiola Rosea: 200-600 mg daily of this adaptogenic herb to reduce stress and improve cognitive function. [LINK]
Informative Websites
- Mindful.org – Articles, guided meditations, and resources to practice mindfulness for reduced stress, better sleep, and enhanced focus. [LINK]
- Sleep.org – Evidence-based info on sleep hygiene and tips for better rest, contributing to focus and impulse control. [LINK]
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America – Educational materials on managing anxiety and stress for improved sleep and mental wellbeing. [LINK]
- American Psychological Association – Articles and tools for stress management, sleep habits, and overall wellness to support cognitive function. [LINK]
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Resources for mental health challenges, including sleep hygiene and stress relief for better focus. [LINK]
- CDC – Evidence-based recommendations for healthy sleep and stress management. [LINK]
- HelpGuide.org – Guides on relaxation, sleep habits, and stress relief for improved focus and impulse control. [LINK]
Insightful TED Talks
- “All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes“ by Andy Puddicombe – Learn mindfulness techniques for reduced stress, sharper focus, and overall wellbeing. [LINK]
- “The Power of Vulnerability“ by Brené Brown – Embrace imperfection and build resilience for better mental health and sleep. [LINK]
- “How to Make Stress Your Friend“ by Kelly McGonigal – Reframe stress to boost performance and emotional resilience, reducing impulsivity. [LINK]
- “The Happy Secret to Better Work“ by Shawn Achor – Cultivate positivity for better productivity, creativity, sleep, and impulse control. [LINK]
- “Why We Sleep“ by Russell Foster – Understand the critical role of sleep in memory, emotions, and health for optimal focus and behavior. [LINK]
- “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are“ by Amy Cuddy – Use “power poses” to build confidence, improve mood, and get better sleep. [LINK]
- “The Power of Rest” by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang – Incorporate deliberate rest to enhance creativity, productivity, and reduce impulsivity. [LINK]
By exploring these diverse resources, you can empower yourself to optimize your mind-body health, sharpen your focus, and better manage impulsivity. Experiment with different strategies, from mindfulness and sleep hygiene to nutrition and stress management, to find what works best for your unique needs and lifestyle. Cultivate the mental clarity and self-control needed to thrive.