Best Nootropics for Mood & Stress: The #1 Tool Isn’t What You Think

For all the wealth that exists in the western world, it has come at a cost. The skyscrapers, constant access to information, and social media may all be perks of the first world, but they do not tell the story of how mood issues have become so prevalent in our society.

A landmark study in Sebastian Junger’s book Tribe showed that despite poverty conditions, people in Nigeria were less stressed than wealthy suburban mothers living in the United States.

It’s clear that we are missing something when it comes to feelings of uneasiness. As usual, people search for the best nootropics for stress relief and mood to try and find a pill that will end the discomfort and provide relief. While there are certainly situations where this is helpful and for some it can be life changing, there are many non-supplement ways we can alter our mood.

Environments of Poor Mood

We have evolved in a completely different environment than the one where we currently exist. The Paleo movement has illuminated these dietary shortcomings, but the same holds true for all aspects of our lifestyle.

Whereas we used to be highly tribal, social creatures, who spent lots of time in the sun and nature, we are now cubicle bound, individualistic, and generally living in concrete minefields. The best nootropics for mood and stress relief cannot replace many of the things we are lacking in our environment. 

Best Nootropics for Mood: Getting Started

The human brain is a complex system, which means it is ever changing with fluctuating variables. It’s nearly impossible to assume that any one thing will do the trick, but there is solid science that in general terms, these are some of the best nootropics for mood enhancement.

Ashwagandha Native to India, this Ayurvedic herb promotes a positive mood. 

L-Theanine An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine is a basic nootropic that supports mood and relaxation.