How to Stay Focused When the Days Get Shorter
CIERAN O'HARAShare
When the air turns crisp and daylight fades faster, our energy often follows. You might notice it, that quiet fog that settles in as autumn arrives. The days feel shorter, motivation slips, and even simple tasks demand more effort. It’s not laziness, it’s our biology.
As sunlight decreases, our circadian rhythm shifts. The body produces more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and focus. Reduced daylight can also disrupt vitamin D synthesis, which plays a key role in cognitive function and mental clarity (Kerr et al., 2015). It’s a natural rhythm but one we can support gently through nourishment, not pressure.
That’s where nootropics and adaptogens step in. These natural compounds work with your body to enhance focus, energy, and resilience to stress. For example, Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for brain health and neuroplasticity (Zhang et al., 2016). It doesn’t overstimulate the nervous system, it nourishes it, supporting clear, calm concentration.
Another powerhouse is Citicoline, a brain nutrient that increases the availability of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and attention. Clinical studies show that regular supplementation can improve mental performance, especially during fatigue or cognitive strain (Secades & Lorenzo, 2006).
When combined, these ingredients create balance. They work in harmony to support focus through the darker months, helping you feel steady and alert without overstimulation or crash.
As the season slows, let your focus do the same: steady, intentional, and supported by nature.
A warm drink, soft light, and a mindful moment with your daily Amani ritual can bring the clarity your mind craves this autumn.
References
Kerr, D. C., Zava, D. T., Piper, W. T., Saturn, S. R., Frei, B., & Gombart, A. F. (2015). Associations between vitamin D levels and mood in healthy adults: Evidence for seasonal variations. Journal of Affective Disorders, 175, 356–361.
Zhang, C., et al. (2016). Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom) improves mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 30(12), 1964–1970.
Secades, J. J., & Lorenzo, J. L. (2006). Citicoline: Pharmacological and clinical review, 2006 update. Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, 28(Suppl B), 1–56.
