
Okay, real talk—there was a time when my brain felt like an internet browser with 47 tabs open. You know what I mean? Like, no matter how much I tried to focus, I kept bouncing between tasks, forgetting what I was doing halfway through. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was exhausting. So, I started digging for ways to stop my brain from doing the mental equivalent of a Google search at 3 AM.
That’s when I stumbled upon neurofeedback and nootropics. At first, I thought it all sounded way too “out there”—like, what is this, some sci-fi brain-hacking experiment? But I was desperate to try something new. Fast forward a few months, and combining these two things has completely changed the way I work, think, and even relax. And, honestly, if I can figure this out, so can you. Let’s get into it.
What the Heck Is Neurofeedback?
Brainwaves, But Make It Practical
Here’s the simplest way to think of neurofeedback: It’s brain training, but without all the sweating. Basically, you wear a little headset that reads your brainwaves and gives you feedback in real time. So, if your brain starts wandering off—like when you mentally plan dinner while working—the neurofeedback system nudges you back on track.
My first session felt kind of weird, not gonna lie. I was sitting there, staring at a screen, trying to make a little animation move just by focusing. It took a while to click, but after a few tries, it felt like my brain finally started behaving. And science backs it up—studies show neurofeedback helps with attention and anxiety. Turns out, training your brain is kinda like training a puppy—consistency is key, but eventually, it gets the message.
What Are Nootropics (and Why Do I Need Them)?
The Smart Supplements for Not-So-Smart Days
Let’s talk nootropics. If you’ve ever powered through a tough morning with coffee, congratulations—you’ve already used one. Caffeine is the OG nootropic, but there are a bunch of others that go beyond just waking you up. Think of them as little brain boosters that help with focus, creativity, and memory—without the crash you get from chugging too much coffee.
I’ll be real—I was skeptical at first. I mean, “smart drugs” sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? But after trying a few, I noticed subtle but real changes. Here are a couple I swear by:
- L-theanine + Caffeine: This combo makes you feel awake, but without the jittery side effects. It’s like coffee’s cooler, more balanced cousin.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Great for creativity. I took this before a brainstorming session, and I swear ideas were coming out of nowhere.
- Rhodiola Rosea: For the days when life feels a little too overwhelming. Seriously, this stuff is a game-changer.
- Alpha-GPC: Boosts memory by increasing acetylcholine levels in your brain. Read more about acetylcholine if you want to geek out.
Also, heads-up: Nootropics aren’t a quick fix. They’re more like a long-term investment in your brain—you’ll feel the benefits the more consistently you use them.
How Neurofeedback and Nootropics Work Together
1. Focus: Finally Get Stuff Done
Before neurofeedback, my focus was… well, let’s just say it needed work. I’d sit down to start something, only to get distracted by literally everything. Now, with neurofeedback, I can actually tell when my brain is wandering off, and pull it back on track before it derails me completely.
Adding L-theanine + Caffeine to the mix made it even better. I could focus for hours without the typical crash-and-burn situation I usually get with regular coffee. If you struggle with staying focused, you’ll definitely want to check out our guide on nootropics for focus.
2. Creativity: Where the Magic Happens
You ever have one of those moments where everything just clicks? That’s what neurofeedback can help you tap into—except, instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, you can create that flow state on demand. I’ve found that pairing it with Lion’s Mane Mushroom works wonders for my creativity.
One time, I had a whole project mapped out in 20 minutes. I don’t know how to explain it, but my thoughts just felt… clearer. It’s like the mental fog lifted, and suddenly I was connecting ideas left and right.
3. Relaxation: Learn to Chill Without Zoning Out
If you’re anything like me, relaxing doesn’t come easy. I used to think relaxing meant zoning out with Netflix, but neurofeedback taught me how to really unwind. Now, when I need to chill, I pair it with Ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea to keep my stress levels in check.
For more on how Ashwagandha can help you relax, check out this article on Healthline.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Pick Your Neurofeedback Device
You don’t need a fancy lab to get started—just grab a Muse Headband or try the Neuroptimal System if you’re feeling ambitious. Both are great options for training your brain at home.
Step 2: Build Your Nootropic Stack
If you’re new to this, start simple. L-theanine + Caffeine is an easy win. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with other supplements to see what works best for you.
Step 3: Track Your Progress
I kept a notebook to track how I felt each day, and it made a huge difference. It helped me figure out which combinations worked best—and which ones didn’t.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So, does combining neurofeedback and nootropics really work? For me, absolutely. It’s not magic, but it feels pretty close. Whether you’re trying to focus better, get creative, or just relax without zoning out, this combo can help you get there.
Ready to dive in? Check out our brain hacking guide to get started.
Your Turn: What’s Your Experience?
Have you tried neurofeedback or nootropics? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what worked (and what didn’t) for you!

About David Gracey
Founder of SuperMindHacker.com
In other words, I am completely obsessed with anything and everything related to cognitive brain enhancement!
Whether it's nootropic supplements, challenging brain puzzles, or even meditation techniques, chances are, I've tried it! This website is my outlet to give back and share what I've learned in the past 15+ years in this field of study.
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