Our focus and concentration abilities are necessary in order to help us execute tasks, learn information, and maintain a job.  But, from time to time, we may feel a bit foggy, and struggle to concentrate no matter how hard we try.  These cognitive skills can be compromised due to a variety of reasons, most of which are benign, but inhibiting, nonetheless.

When our brains struggle to focus, getting through the day can be a challenge.  We may find ourselves making mistakes at work, forgetting things that we have to do during the day, and zoning out during conversations with our bosses, friends or even loved ones.  Many of us turn to coffee when we feel like our brain needs a boost, but if you are looking for a gentler option, CBD may be worth exploring.

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a unique plant compound that has been researched over the years for its potential to regulate cognitive function in a way that’s easy on the body.

Focus, Concentration, and Cognitive Wellness

The brain’s cognitive center controls our focus and concentration, as well as our motivation, creativity, mental stamina, memory and, to an extent, mood.  It also plays a role in communication, as it gives us the ability to translate thoughts and feelings into words.  Our cognitive center is also responsible for our ability to make decisions.

The cognitive center, also known as the brain’s control panel, is a region of the brain that relies on strong neural pathways to communicate information and keep the brain alert and active.  The cognitive center is in the frontal lobe of the brain, where the most complex mental processes are carried out.

Why You Might Be Feeling Foggy

There are numerous factors that can interfere with cognitive health, and most of them are not any real cause for concern, but simply indicate some unhealthy habits that need to be addressed.

Factor #1: Your Diet is Lacking

Nutrition plays a massive role in brain health, as the brain directly depends on nutrients to function properly.  Being low in Vitamins B and D, along with minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc can result in poor focus and concentration, as your brain is not getting the food that it needs to operate at its highest potential.

Factor #2: You Need More Sleep

We have all experienced the effects of a poor night’s sleep.  And, when the next day arrives, we find ourselves at work totally unable to focus on even the simplest of tasks.  Sleep is crucial for your brain’s wellbeing as it allows the brain to rest and repair itself.  If your sleep has been off lately, consider putting more effort into getting eight hours each night so that your cognitive functions can be restored.

Factor #3: You Have Anxiety or Depression

If you have ever suffered from either anxiety or depression, you may know firsthand how much these mood disorders can interfere with basic cognitive functions.  It is quite common for people with these disorders to have a hard time concentrating.  It comes from the fact that the neurotransmitters in the brain are thrown off balance, which affects basic mental function.  These disorders are also very tiring to the brain, which leaves the brain fatigued and struggling to focus.

Factor #4: You Need More Water

One of the most common reasons for temporary brain fog is basic dehydration.  If you have been struggling with focus lately despite no changes to your diet or sleep schedule, consider drinking more water to see if that helps.

Factor #5: Being Overworked

If you have been feeling burnt out lately, you’re likely going to have a hard time concentrating.  Burnout results in both physical and mental fatigue, as working too hard drains your brain of its resources.

Factor #6: Your Immune System is Exhausted 

Interestingly, the immune system can play a big role in cognitive function.  Many autoimmune conditions lead to brain fog as the inflammation that results from a poorly functioning immune system interferes with brain health.

Factor #7: You Have a Neurological Disorder or Disease 

Neurological disorders and diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, epilepsy, and even autism can disrupt cognitive function and make it difficult to concentrate and focus.  These disorders affect the neural pathways that enable easy communication throughout different areas of the brain.

Factor #8: You are Simply Getting Older

As we get older, our basic cognitive functions become weaker, along with other regions of the body.  If you have been finding that concentration and focus have gradually declined over the years, this could be why.

What Could CBD Possibly Do for Focus and Concentration Then?

Well, CBD is the most prominent compound in the hemp plant, and it has been studied widely for its various properties.  As it’s a cannabinoid, it binds to cannabinoid receptors belonging to the endocannabinoid system, which are found in every region of the body including the cognitive center of the brain.  Different cannabinoid receptors regulate different bodily processes, and the receptors in the cognitive center are tasked with regulating focus, concentration, motivation, memory and more.

In fact, studies have shown that CBD has unique potential cognitive-boosting properties, so much so that it is being studied heavily for its potential use in patients with both dementia and epilepsy.

Using CBD Oil for Concentration and Focus 

CBD oil consists of hemp extract diluted in a carrier oil, and is usually taken as a tincture, absorbing quickly into the sublingual tissue while offering a few hours of effectiveness.  It’s easy to take as a dropper’s worth of oil counts as a single dose.  It comes in a wide variety of strengths, and you should choose a strength based on the severity of your symptoms.

Always talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil for your health, especially if you are on a medication.  When you do get your doctor’s approval to use cannabidiol, we recommend taking the same amount daily to build up a good supply of CBD in the body for maximum effectiveness.

Focus and Concentration are Two Brain Processes that We Rely on Each Day

So, it’s important to take care of our cognitive health in a way that is sustainable.  Fortunately, CBD oil is a gentle and natural option that has been researched for its potential effects on cognitive function.  Thanks to the regulating properties of the cannabinoid, combined with its holistic nature, CBD oil is something worth exploring if your brain needs a boost.