Exam pressure, anxiety about the future, the obsession with perfection – the stress at school and university is increasing, and many students feel overwhelmed. More and more of them are considering whether chemicals might be a solution: They're turning to study pills, sometimes even illegal ones. But does this really solve their learning problems? In this article, we'll demonstrate that most study drugs are of dubious use and can even lead to dangerous consequences. We'll also show you healthy, natural methods you can use to prepare your brain for studying and exams.
The situation is particularly alarming in the United States: A national survey by researchers at the University of Michigan found that 10 percent of tenth-graders and 12 percent of twelfth-graders in high school have already taken amphetamines or stimulant medications not prescribed by a doctor. In addition to amphetamines (speed), the ADHD medications Ritalin and Adderall are particularly popular.
Do learning drugs work?
All these medications essentially only increase attention to a certain extent, but they do not lead to better retention of knowledge, better understanding of complex connections, easier separation of important from unimportant, etc. Thus, they do not improve learning methods, the quality of knowledge, or any of the things that are important for effective learning and successful exams.
Whether such "smart drugs" can truly improve learning performance is highly questionable. The prescription drug Ritalin, for example, can increase impulsivity. This increases the risk of tunnel vision; one is more likely to give hasty answers and no longer consider all relevant information. Judgment can also be impaired, which can be fatal in exam situations because the drug's effect on mood can make one think oneself better than one actually is.
Side effects of Ritalin and amphetamine
In addition, there are sometimes serious side effects. Matthew Davis of Mott Children's Hospital says that taking ADHD medication doesn't improve grades and could also be harmful to health. It can lead to exhaustion, cardiac arrhythmias, confusion, or even psychosis, "if the teenagers become dependent and withdraw."
The same applies to amphetamines. Chronic use can cause significant and serious side effects: In addition to weakening the immune system, the intense strain on the heart can lead to increased blood pressure. It can also lead to constant restlessness, sleep and circulatory disorders, paranoia, and even amphetamine psychosis.
Healthy and effective alternatives to learning drugs
The increased attention span induced by medication therefore has little effect on learning. It's much more important to use effective learning strategies, apply the findings of brain and learning research to your own needs, and keep your brain healthy and fit. Above all, you should keep the following in mind:
1. Sport , exercise and a relaxing, mind-refreshing hobby .
These are all truly effective learning boosters! They naturally increase productivity because they provide experiences, emotions, and variety, as well as the neurotransmitters adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine—important fuels for motivation, energy, and concentration.
2. An appropriate rhythm of life and work .
Sufficient breaks and, above all, adequate sleep are just as important as concentrated work to ensure that the learning material can be processed. One of the main functions of sleep is to strengthen neural connections, to sort and store what has been experienced and learned during the day, and to separate relevant from irrelevant information.
3. Use the right learning and memorization techniques .
Use the methods we've already described in several places on this website (see links at the end). You won't believe how easy learning is when you've learned it right!
4. Provide the brain with the necessary nutrients .
BRAINEFFECT FOCUS with B5 and B12 naturally helps with learning
It goes without saying that the brain needs a healthy, wholesome diet. However, if this isn't possible, or if the brain has an increased need for important nutrients during exceptional circumstances such as stress or long periods of studying or exams, then nutritional supplements offer a healthy alternative. BRAINEFFECT FOCUS with B5 and B12, for example, offers a nutritional supplement with natural, healthy active ingredients for concentration and mental alertness.
Conclusion: Those who nurture their brain and provide it with the necessary nutrients and nutrients, and who also master effective learning and concentration techniques, will certainly increase their performance and success more than if they take any medication or drugs! And all without any negative side effects!
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