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Side hustle culture has exploded in recent years. Inflation, house prices, and living costs are rising, yet wage growth is growing at nowhere near the same rate. This has led to many people looking to earn a little extra money by starting their own side hustle.
\nResearch from Hiscox reveals that the standard “side hustler” will spend between six and 15 hours a week working on their business, on top of the roughly 40 hours they spend at their primary job, their main source of income.
\nHowever, dedicating all of your time that is usually spent on recovery and rest to growing a business is exhausting, and you can quickly run out of energy, both physically and mentally.
\nMany people with a side hustle complain of lost weekends and sleep. Keeping an active social life while also growing a successful business is also nigh-on impossible without compromising on something - often late nights catching up on missed work.
\nFortunately, there are ways to find the energy, focus and clarity needed to work a full-time job and grow a healthy business on the side, and one of them is with CBD and nootropics.
\nOne of the biggest struggles throughout the working day is staying focused on the task at hand. Most people can stay productive and focused on something for around 45 minutes before needing a break of equal duration. This means we’re only really able to work to our maximum potential for approximately half of the working day. For those who are keen to extend that time, CBD can massively help.
\nResearch has found that CBD has a significant impact on both anandamide and serotonin, two of the five major neurotransmitters most active during flow state, or what you’ll commonly know as “being in the zone”. This flow state is often triggered by a multitude of things, such as blocking out external and internal distractions and having a task in front of you that is stimulating enough to engage your mind to its full potential.
\nFinding your flow state can more than double the length of time you’re able to focus on your work healthily. For those who are working on their side hustle after already completing an eight-hour workday, working efficiently is key to enjoying your downtime and resting your mind.
\nEqually, nootropics, which can be naturally occurring cognitive enhancers, can help initiate and heighten brain functions associated with flow state.
\nMany might know nootropics as “smart drugs”, often taken to improve mental performance. But nootropics are also naturally occurring and are most commonly found in coffee as caffeine or as amino acids in tea.
\nL-Theanine is one of the most popular nootropics and is an amino acid that increases alpha waves in the brain, linked to creativity.
\nMaca is another popular nootropic that has been found to boost cognition and memory. It also increases your mental energy and clarity, as well as being able to put you in a good mood, which is key for working effectively for long periods.
\nIt’s widely recognised that one darker side of the side hustle can be a lack of sleep and anxiety. Human beings aren’t built to work so hard for so long, and at some point, there will be burnout. Many people will try to push through burnout by working even longer hours in an attempt to keep up, but something has to give, and that’s often sleeping.
\nResearch from 2019 found a link between the use of CBD and a decrease in anxiety, which is a major cause of insomnia and other sleep-related conditions. The research is based on a clinical trial that found that more than two-thirds of participants experienced better sleep after just 25mg of CBD.
\nThis is because CBD can help calm the nervous system and focus your mind. There’s nothing worse than having your mind racing when you’re trying to fall asleep, and CBD will help take that edge off. It also enables you to be less fidgety, allowing you to have a more restful sleep.
\nIt is worth noting that some people won’t notice an immediate effect of CBD on their sleep, so it’s recommended that you remain patient as you continue using CBD to aid your sleep pattern.
\nIf you’re reading this and wondering whether CBD could help you better manage your side hustle or even just your day-to-day focus, why not learn more about Nooro or try one of our Taster Packs.
","excerpt":"Side hustle culture has exploded in recent years. Inflation, house prices, and living costs are rising, yet wage growth is growing at nowhere near the same rate, leading to many people looking to earn a little extra money by starting their own side hustle. But how can CBD help bridge the gap between burnout and success?","handle":"side-hustles","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTc4NDY5OTk5MQ==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/Picture_1.png?v=1627031104"},"title":"How to Find the Energy for Your Side Hustle"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"Snacking is a big part of gaming. In fact, we’d say that if you’re not snacking then you’re not gaming properly. We all need the energy and the convenience that snacking brings to gaming. But snacking on the wrong stuff can really impact on your performance.
\nSnacks and performance foods have moved on since the days of chocolate bars and crisps, and there are some really great things you can do to increase your cognitive power and game better.
\nMost of us have taken that short trip to the snacks cupboard in between games of FIFA, Fortnite or Mario Kart. In fact, 80% of us regularly snack while playing video games. But are we snacking on the right foods?
\nThe ‘one more game’ mentality is a big reason why your performance is going to drop off, essentially because you’ve been trying too hard for too long.
\nMost people can perform well with clarity and focus for around 45-minutes at a time before needing a break, and the same applies to playing competitive video games. So how many games can you fit in before you start losing?
\nFrom our research, we've found that you can play:
So, what can you do to improve your concentration and make that ‘one more game’ count? It's proven that snacking can help improve how long you can focus for, so the same goes for when you sit down for a night of gaming. By snacking on the right foods, you'll be able to keep your winning edge for longer and perform at your absolute maximum.
\nToday, you can find cognitive enhanced snacks and foods that not only provide a slow-release of energy, but also CBD, Nootropics, and antioxidants.
\n\n J.D. Furlong, Founder of Nooro, said, “Sugary snacks are likely to provide you with that quick jolt of energy, but then comes the slump and the dreaded fatigue, where you have difficulty concentrating. By this point, your in-game performance will be dropping substantially.
“Salty snacks or foods high in fats make your body work hard to break them down, meaning you’re left feeling tired or deflated. This is thanks to less oxygen reaching your brain, leading to your performance being negatively affected.
“Better snacks for gamers are foods with a slow, continuous release of energy, like oats, barley and wholemeal. Dark chocolate is also good for the mind, thanks to it having a higher amount of cocoa and antioxidants, which improve blood flow to the brain.
\n“Snacking on healthier snacks will help you engage your flow state, which is what you might know as being ‘in the zone’. While you’re in your flow state, you’ll find that you can focus for longer periods of time, and ultimately, win more and progress further in your games.
\n\n“At Nooro we took the idea of a slow-release, natural healthy snack, and then turbo-charged it by adding CBD and nootropics.\"
\nIf you’re looking for ways to take your gaming to the next level, why not try replacing some of your usual snacks with ones that are more likely to boost your performance?
Here are a few you should try:
![\"\"](\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/files/Picture_2.png?v=1624963728\")
There is no room for a wandering mind in games like FIFA, PUBG, Fortnite, and more. So, start snacking better, take a look at the new ways and products you can snack with. You’ll be a better player if you do!
","excerpt":"Snacking is a big part of gaming, in fact, we’d say that if you’re not snacking then you’re not gaming properly. We all need the energy and the convenience that snacking brings to gaming.","handle":"gaming-snacks","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTcyMTYyMTU5MQ==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/gamer_1.jpg?v=1624963753"},"title":"Gamers, Start Snacking Better!"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"Like most people, you’ve probably heard of CBD. But what does CBD stand for, where does it come from and what does it actually do?
\nCBD- short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant. Often used to help ease ailments like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, CBD is naturally occurring and safe for consumption and topical use. Scientific research has confirmed the presence of CBD receptors within the human body, which means our bodies are literally designed to produce and react positively to cannabinoids like CBD! CBD is now widely available as a natural supplement and can be found in a variety of different forms including CBD snack bars (like Nooro!), topical CBD creams, and CBD oils.
\nOver the past few years, CBD’s natural ability to offer comfort and relief has made it a favoured supplement among different age groups and demographics. While CBD has proven to be naturally advantageous, just remember it’s not a medication.
","excerpt":"What is CBD? CBD, which is short for cannabidiol is a natural and non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant. More and more people are using CBD as a natural supplement to help cope with chronic pain, stress and even insomnia.","handle":"what-is-cbd","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTY2MjMxMTUxMQ==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/Woman_02_green.jpg?v=1623853916"},"title":"What is CBD?"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"Have you ever become so immersed in an activity that you completely lost track of time? Whether you call it being ‘in the zone’ or being ‘in a positive mental state,’ this phenomenon is known as flow state, and when achieved results in heightened levels of productivity, motivation, and creativity.
\nFlow state usually begins when you are giving your full attention to something you are highly skilled in and passionate about. Commonly, flow state is often associated with creatives, artists, and athletes. Even some online gamers have begun acknowledging flow state as a way to achieve peak performance!
\nExperiencing flow state has been found to be beneficial for both mental and emotional health. During flow state, you’ll feel ecstatic, motivated, and fulfilled, which in turn encourages productivity. While flow state varies slightly for everyone, benefits can include heightened creativity, better emotional regulation, increased engagement, along with greater feelings of fulfilment and enjoyment.
\nCBD and nootropics are both highly effective in helping users achieve the positive mental state of flow state. Research has found that CBD has a significant impact on both anandamide and serotonin, 2 of the 5 major neurotransmitters most active during flow state. Equally, naturally occurring nootropics can help initiate and heighten brain functions that are associated with flow state. In fact, L-Theanine, the amino acid used in Nooro snack bars is known to help boost serotonin and dopamine, stimulating alpha brainwaves and encouraging a more powerful flow state.
","excerpt":"Flow state is a powerful psychological mindset that can help you achieve peak performance and productivity. Maybe it’s time to start going with the flow!","handle":"how-flow-state-can-help-you-reach-peak-productivity","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTY2MjI3ODc0Mw==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/Nooro_man.jpg?v=1623111588"},"title":"How Flow State Can Help You Reach Peak Productivity"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"From the Greek words noo for ‘mind’ and tropos meaning ‘changing,’ nootropics live up to their name by being memory or brain boosters. Nootropics are compounds that help enhance cognitive ability and function.
\nWhile nootropics won’t make you smarter, they can help boost energy levels, increase mental alertness, improve memory, heighten concentration, and encourage wakefulness. Naturally occurring nootropics (like the ones found in our Nooro CBD snack bars) even aid in promoting and improving healthy brain function!
\nNootropics have a positive effect on the brain’s performance through a variety of different methods and pathways. They are found to increase the blood flow to the brain, carrying vital nutrients, energy, and oxygen, encouraging better brain function. Both artificial and all-natural nootropics have been extensively studied to better understand their many advantages.
\nWhile the effects of natural nootropics are not seen as quickly as synthetic ones, the benefits of naturally occurring compounds are reported to last far-longer than those which are synthetic. Nooro CBD snack bars offer a healthy dose of nootropics using only naturally nootropic-rich plants and amino acids.
","excerpt":"Nootropics are compounds that have a positive effect on the brain’s performance. Natural nootropics are found to improve healthy brain function, heightening concentration, and increasing energy levels.","handle":"what-are-nootropics","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTY2MjI0NTk3NQ==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/Man_03_orange.jpg?v=1623853944"},"title":"What are Nootropics?"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"CBD has long been hyped for its natural benefits and ability to relieve stress, pain, and provide mental clarity. Nootropic supplements are also widely used by people looking to sharpen their cognitive activity and encourage positive brain function. While cannabinoids and nootropics are similar, each has their own unique benefits for users. You might be wondering: Can I use nootropics and CBD at the same time?
\nThe answer is a resounding YES! The expression ‘too much of a good thing’ doesn’t apply when it comes to nootropics. Using 2 or more nootropics at the same time is known as ‘stacking’ and it’s a great practice for those looking to maximise their cognitive ability. But why does stacking work?
\nCBD aids in easing stress and providing a relaxed mental head space. Natural nootropics work to boost brain power, improving mental alertness and concentration. The relaxing properties of CBD coupled with the brain boosting benefits of nootropics create the ideal combination of relaxation, concentration, and brain power. The perfect blend for productivity.
\nThe benefits of stacking are so significant, they laid the foundation of the idea behind the Nooro CBD snack bar. Nooro bars use all natural, vegan ingredients mixed with the optimal ratio of CBD and natural nootropic supplements to maximise your concentration and productivity. The best time to stack is in the morning, setting a calm and motivated mindset to start off your day. Whether you are new to nootropics or a seasoned stacker, Nooro CBD snack bars offer a stacking snack that packs a powerful punch of productivity!
","excerpt":"Did you know that it’s safe to use CBD and a nootropic supplement at the same time? Mixing nootropics and CBD, or ‘stacking’ is a great practice for those looking to maximise their cognitive ability.","handle":"cbd-and-nootropics-the-perfect-pair","id":"Shopify__Article__Z2lkOi8vc2hvcGlmeS9BcnRpY2xlLzU1NTY2MjE4MDQzOQ==","image":{"src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/5556/3313/articles/Nooro_woman.jpg?v=1623111278"},"title":"CBD and Nootropics: The Perfect Pair!"}},{"node":{"contentHtml":"Did you know that a recent 2020 study reported more than 70% of participants were satisfied with the addition of CBD to their daily routines? So, what’s all the hype about? With more and more people introducing CBD into their lives, we’re answering the question: Why do people use CBD?
\nCBD is All-Natural
CBD is 100% natural and offers a variety of benefits without synthetic or chemical ingredients. Derived from the hemp plant, the CBD component provides numerous benefits by working with our bodies’ natural cannabinoid receptors.
CBD Helps with Focus and Productivity
Staying focused can be challenging on the best of days. Many people turn to CBD to help them concentrate and improve productivity. CBD can improve alertness and encourage a more positive mindset. At the same time, CBD helps minds relax by mitigating external stressors such as shaking legs and muscle twitches. CBD has even been found to lessen the jittery side effects of caffeine, so a Nooro CBD snack bar pairs perfectly with your afternoon cup (or cups) of coffee!
CBD Offers Relief for Chronic Pain
CBD has naturally beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, because of this, CBD is sought after for those wanting to effectively manage pain in a natural way. CBD is a natural alternative for chronic pain management and can safely be used alongside traditional medication in most instances.