#Enhancing brain performance

[jaskefer]

Obsessed with the idea of Extraordinary Things being a back and forth between Jaskier and Radovid, with Jaskier trying to draw him out in the first verse, and Radovid finally answering him in the second.

Cause like, with Radovid, Jaskier meets someone who he can't fully read properly. He knows there's something under the front of a drunken, bumbling prince, but he doesn't know him well enough yet to be certain as to what.

So, he tests the waters a bit. throws out a line to see if Radovid will take it—and he does. A little bit. But it's so interesting to me, because it doesn't just feel like Jaskier is trying to nail down Radovid's truth in this verse; it feels like he's injecting elements of his own mask into it, as well.

"Keep your words on ice, your gaze lights the fire. They say 'keep on playing nice,' but I have no desire. Why waste our words when lips were made for extraordinary things? It's not a want, it's a need, it is paying no heed to what others say to sing."

This is Jaskier's read of Radovid as he knows him so far: a man hiding more complex wants beneath the veneer of a drunken party boy. But it's also Jaskier admitting that he knows this about Radovid because he wears the exact same mask himself.

Much like how Jaskier and Ciri speak through Geralt and Yennefer in order to process their own feelings about them later in the season, Jaskier sings through himself in order to comprehend who Radovid is. Jaskier is using the performative persona he's crafted for himself in an attempt to coax Radovid out of his.

All of it leads into the main intention of this song: "The greatest songs are made up of unspoken words of love. Of them, I've had enough. with you, I am enough." I am tired of having to put up a front. I want to be understood. I think you understand me. Prove me right.

And Radovid sees what Jaskier is doing. He comments on Jaskier's ability to see people for who they are and not who they pretend to be. But there's still more he wants to understand. This still feels like a game, in a way.

It's only after Radovid sees the brutality of Dijkstra and Philippa up close, watches them orchestrate the assassination of the queen and threaten to incriminate him if he doesn't fall in line, that he then grasps the vulnerability in Jaskier's lyrics. Jaskier is also caught between multiple conflicting desires, that of his loyalty to Geralt/Yen/Ciri, and that of his work as the Sandpiper & how said work is backed by his continued commitment to Redanian Intelligence. That internal conflict and the desire to escape it is also highlighted in the song's first verse ("they say keep on playing nice, but i have no desire"). Only after all of this, when true fear begins to take over and the game stops being fun, does Radovid truly begin to truly understand Jaskier.

And so, he seeks him out. And he responds.

“Drop the sweet disguise, your heart’s beating too loud. The fairytales and little lies can’t drown out all the sound.” You were right. I do understand you. I know what you really want, because we're the same. You can’t hide it behind a façade of a song and a story and a persona.

“Take this heart and break this heart for extraordinary things.” I don't know what will become of this, or us. I still don't fully know if we can trust each other. But no one has ever seen me in the way that you have.

It's not a want, it's a need. With you, I am enough.

[thisisthevoice]

☕🎼🌊!

from this ask meme!

i wanted to answer this yesterday but i also wanted to do some little drawings for it and my brain was not cooperating lol!

☕ Do you do warmup sketches before drawing? (Bonus: do you have any to share?)

i was trying to get in the habit but kind of fell off with it lol, i should get back to trying to do it! my issue is a lot of my work is just meditative and spontaneous. i should do more formal drawing sessions with a warmup included though! a warmup exercise i find fun is to make a random scribble and then try and make something out of the shape you get!

🎼 Your favorite music to draw to right now?

tbh i dont draw to music terribly often, but [while ive been too busy being a night goblin in the ICU] ive really been wanting to do some character study pieces on my OC Hieronymus! he has a playlist that i'll pop on when i get around to this

🌊 What’s the hardest thing for you to draw? 

anything mechanical. cars, robots, etc etc -_-

[thenewsinfinite]

Boost Mental Clarity with These Simple Daily Habits

Want a sharper mind? These habits can boost your mental clarity and focus. Try them today. Start Your Day with a Glass of Water Hydration fuels the brain. Drinking a glass of water after waking up kickstarts your metabolism. It flushes out toxins and helps your mind feel more alert. Prioritize Quality Sleep Every Night Good sleep isn’t optional. Aim for 7-9 hours every night. A rested brain…

[usloyalones]

CogniCare Pro

Welcome to the world of CogniCare Pro where enhancing cognitive health is our priority! As we age, maintaining mental clarity and sharpness becomes increasingly important, and that’s why we’ve crafted a unique formula tailored for men and women. With a foundation rooted in modern scientific research, CogniCare Pro stands out as a gentle yet powerful solution for your cognitive needs. Our…

[youthempowerinitiatives]

The Shocking Truth About Sleep: How It Supercharges Your Memory & Focus

You are probably sleeping inappropriately and it maybe ruining your brain. Hronic poor can make you feel foggy, forget things easily, and struggle to focus, no matter how much coffee you chug. A staggering 35% of adults do not get enough sleep, according to the CDC. Poor sleep is wrecking memory, killing creativity, and silently sabotaging career success. But what if I told you that sleeping…

[bushnb1]

Running Workout Plan - Bushnb for Fitness and Running

Boost your endurance, speed, and overall fitness with the Bushnb Running Workout Plan. Designed for all levels, this structured program includes interval training, long runs, and recovery sessions to help you achieve your running goals. Stay motivated, track progress, and enhance performance with expert-backed workouts. Lace up and start running today!

[writestuffonline]

Innovative Methods for Memory Retention: Boost Recall

"Ready to remember everything? 🧠✨ Unlock your brain's potential with these innovative memory retention techniques! Say goodbye to forgetfulness and hello to amazing recall! 😂🔍 #MemoryRetention #BoostRecall #InnovativeMethods #BrainTraining #Cognitive

In our fast world, finding new ways to keep memories is key. I value memory a lot, for both personal and work life. Improving memory helps us learn better and remember more. Studies show that different ways to think can help us remember better. This makes it easier to learn new things every day. Recent studies link too much sugar to smaller brains and bad memory. Also, being overweight or…

[healthtrekadventure]

ZenCortex

ZenCortex is a cutting-edge wellness technology designed to enhance brain health, focus, and relaxation. Utilizing advanced neurotechnology, ZenCortex offers personalized brain training exercises to improve cognitive performance and mental clarity. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve concentration, or boost overall brain function, this device uses gentle brainwave entrainment to optimize mental well-being. Its compact and user-friendly design makes it suitable for use at home or in the office, helping you achieve a calm and focused state in just a few minutes a day.

Unlock your brain’s full potential with ZenCortex, and experience the benefits of enhanced focus, reduced stress, and improved cognitive health.

👉 Learn more about ZenCortex here!

[jadeannbyrne]

The Clinical Dossier of Jade Ann Byrne: Performance Enhancement Through Folic Acid Powered by The Venerated Medical Team of Snow White Magi at Planned Paladinhood & Health Care in Your Neighborhood

The Clinical Dossier of Jade Ann Byrne: Performance Enhancement Through Folic Acid Powered by The Venerated Medical Team of Snow White Magi at Planned Paladinhood & Health Care in Your Neighborhood

The Clinical Dossier of Jade Ann Byrne: Performance Enhancement Through Folic Acid Powered by The Venerated Medical Team of Snow White Magi at Planned Paladinhood & Health Care in Your Neighborhood Greetings, noble travelers and adventurers! You have stumbled upon the sacred scrolls detailing the health and wellness journey of Paladin Jade Ann Byrne—an eGirl in esports, culinary master, and, of…

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

How Meditation Transforms Brain Biochemistry and Structure

Meditative practices can increase brain thickness and prevent thinning, potentially changing brain structure and chemistry at the cellular, genetic, and systemic levels. Though my background is rooted in technology and science, I am deeply drawn to metaphysics, mysticism, and spirituality — interests I explore for compelling reasons I have shared in previous stories. After years of physical,…

[xtruss]

Cannabis Doesn’t Enhance Performance. So Why Is It Banned In Elite Sports?

Here’s how cannabis use became prohibited—and the science of its biological, psychological, and social effects.

— By Kara Norton | Published: Tuesday November 9, 2021 | NOVA — PBS

The cannabis plant contains over 400 chemicals, including the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound, and cannabidiol (CBD). Image Credit: NOVA/GBH

At the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, snowboarding made its debut as an Olympic sport. No longer relegated to the fringes, snowboarders took to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Yakebitai, and 26-year-old Canadian Ross Rebagliati rose to global fame. But shortly after he won gold in the giant slalom event, a drug test revealed 17.8 nanograms per milliliter of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, in Rebagliati’s system, which he still attributes to secondhand smoke.

“Cannabis back then was seen as being for losers and lazy stoners,” Rebagliati told The New York Times. “The big corporate sponsors didn’t want to sponsor me. I became a source of entertainment, a joke. I went from hero to zero overnight.”

Rebagliati was initially stripped of his medal, but because cannabis had not been officially banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he was ultimately able to keep the gold. Two months after his failed drug test, the IOC officially banned cannabis due to its illicit status as a social drug.

The Politicization of Pot

As the war on drugs was waged on America’s streets, it was also playing out in sports arenas around the world. “We had to draw a lesson from Nagano,” IOC Director General Francois Carrard told the Associated Press in 1998. “The IOC wants to take a stand against a social drug."

Prince Alexandre de Merode, chairman of the IOC medical commission at the time, added that cannabis should be banned even though it does not act as a performance-enhancer like steroids.

Roger Pielke Jr., an expert in sports governance and a professor of environmental studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, claims that “the deeper reality was that the Clinton administration’s focus on anti-doping regulations helped serve its domestic policy agenda, which was focused on waging a war on drugs.”

In 1998, the United States pledged an unprecedented $1 million to assist the IOC in its mission to eradicate drugs from elite sports. Barry McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, was adamant that recreational drugs such as cannabis should be just as much of a priority for the international sports community as performance-enhancing drugs.

“We raise Olympic athletes up on international pedestals for all the world’s children to look up to as role models—it is vital that the message they send is drug-free,” McCaffrey wrote in a 10-page memo to the IOC. “The goal of this whole effort must be to prevent Olympic medals and the Olympic movement from being tarnished by drugs.”

Snowboarder Ross Rebagliati at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, where he won gold for Canada in the men's giant slalom. Image Credit: Mark Sandten, Bongarts, Getty Images

According to Pielke, Rebagliati’s case gave the U.S. government the leverage it needed to lobby U.S. anti-doping leaders to include marijuana on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List.

WADA was established in 1999 through a collective initiative led by the IOC, and maintains the World Anti-Doping Code and prohibited list. Its key role is to standardize anti-doping regulations globally for Olympic sports. Director McCaffrey led the U.S. delegation at the first official meeting of WADA, after which “WADA looked far more like the institution the United States and its other international partners called for, than the original IOC-formed WADA” according to a report from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) on the agency’s actions and accomplishments from 1993-2000. The United States is also the largest individual contributor to WADA, which receives half of its funding from the IOC, and half from governments around the world. In 2020, the U.S. pledged over $2.7 million of the $37.4 million WADA budget.

Despite the U.S. government’s stance on social drugs, the ONDCP acknowledged that the athletic community itself was less concerned about cannabis than about performance-enhancing substances, like anabolic steroids, which can promote tissue growth and muscle generation and shorten recovery time after a workout.

“In the course of our efforts to put in place an IOC ban on marijuana, athletes and sports officials at all levels—ranging from Olympians to high school coaches to youth athletes—informed ONDCP that they felt that the more urgent drug threat within the sports world was the use of performance enhancing drugs,” the ONDCP report stated. These concerns, the report notes, were “scientifically grounded” by the results of the 1999 Monitoring the Future survey, which concluded that youth steroid use increased roughly 50% over the prior year’s study.

Why Is Cannabis Banned?

According to WADA, any substance may be included on its prohibited list if it meets two of three criteria: it has the potential to be performance enhancing, it poses a potential or actual health risk to the athlete, or it violates the “spirit of the sport.”

WADA did not respond to questions from NOVA about the prohibited list or cannabis’s status on the list. But several recent studies investigate whether cannabis has performance-enhancing qualities in athletic competition. A 2020 literature review by researchers not associated with WADA concluded, “there appears to be no reason based on current data to believe that cannabis has any significant ergogenic [performance-enhancing] effect.” An independent 2021 review echoed that conclusion, saying cannabis “does not act as a sport performance enhancing agent as raised by popular beliefs.”

“In no circumstances is (cannabis) ever a performance enhancing substance. It is a net negative in terms of athletic ability and performance,” says Jeff Anderson, a professor of radiology and imaging sciences at the University of Utah who studies how the brain responds to compounds found in cannabis. “On the whole, people under the influence of THC are not able to perform as well on cognitive tests, they have slowed reaction times, decreased executive function, decreased attention.”

Two decades after WADA banned cannabis, U.S. track and field sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson delivered a show-stopping performance at the Olympic trials, followed by an emotional interview in which she said she learned the week before that her birth mother had died. However, Richardson’s dreams of competing at the (delayed) 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were dashed when she tested positive for THC, renewing a discussion about cannabis’s impact on performance.

Since cannabis was banned, the public perception and legal landscape surrounding its use have changed greatly. While cannabis is illegal at a federal level, medical cannabis is legal in 37 states, and cannabidiol (CBD)—reportedly used by 1 in 7 Americans—is no longer prohibited by WADA. In the court of public opinion, where Rebagliati once found infamy, Richardson found support, and her case left many questioning the science behind cannabis’s prohibited status.

“Drug testing is yet another tool of the drug war, and it’s a failure,” Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said in a statement. “Sha’Carri’s suspension serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of how insidious the drug war is in our everyday lives, far beyond the carceral state.”

Sha'Carri Richardson looks on after winning the women's 100 meter final at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on June 19, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Image Credit: Patrick Smith, Getty Images

Cannabis In The Body

Under the guidelines outlined by WADA, “all natural and synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC are prohibited, however CBD is not prohibited.”

A cannabinoid is a compound that—no matter the source—interacts with cannabinoid receptors, which are found in nearly every organ in the human body. THC, for example, affects cannabis users by binding to cannabinoid receptors in and outside the brain, causing cells to behave differently. (The receptors also bind with the body’s natural cannabis-like chemicals, called endocannabinoids.)

Since the 1998 Winter Olympics, the THC metabolite limit for Olympic athletes has been raised from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 180, purportedly to only detect in-competition use of cannabis. However, the length of time cannabis will stay in a person’s system depends on frequency of use and the amount consumed.

This has to do with the way cannabis is metabolized. When smoked, ingested, or otherwise consumed, cannabinoids are absorbed and retained in many parts of the body, particularly fatty tissue. Eventually, the THC byproducts are released and excreted through urine. However, daily consumers of cannabis accumulate THC faster than it can be removed from the body, reports Lia Tabackman for Insider Health.

“Urine testing is one of the most common drug testing methods,” notes Tabackman. It is also widely used in elite sports.

According to a 2008 report on drug screening in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, cannabis can be detected in urine for up to three days after a single use. For moderate users (4 times per week), cannabis can still be detected 5 to 7 days after last use. And in heavy daily smokers, it can be detected in urine for up to 30 days or more after they stop.

But when it comes to quantifying behavioral impairment while using cannabis, a National Institute of Justice study led by researchers from RTI International found that measuring THC levels in blood, urine, and oral fluid were not reliable indicators of marijuana intoxication, regardless of how the cannabis was consumed.

“Drug testing does nothing to show current impairment,” Frederique said in a statement. The [United States Anti-Doping Agency] must undo this archaic, inhumane, and unscientific policy.”

"An Actual or Potential Health Risk"

In addition to prohibiting it, WADA considers THC a substance of abuse, meaning it is “frequently abused in society outside the context of sport.” Cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (ecstasy) are also on this list.

Some mental health experts have expressed concern over the development of cannabis use disorders, which may lead to increased anxiety or depressive disorders.

“I'm among the group that wishes to see cannabis remain on the prohibited list,” says David McDuff, an addiction, trauma, and sports psychiatrist who has served on the IOC's Consensus Panel on Mental Health in Elite Athletes.

When McDuff was working at University of Maryland College Park, he says he was shocked by the level of mental health symptoms and disorders within the college athlete population, and that the number of athletes using cannabis on a regular basis jumped across a number of sports.

“I was referred to the substance misuse cases and many of them had comorbid anxiety or depressive disorders along with their cannabis use disorder,” says McDuff. “As a clinician, I can't help but tie its use to reduced performance academically and athletically.”

Other experts say that while the risk of cannabis abuse is real, it is unfair to not apply the same standards to alcohol, which was no longer prohibited as of 2018.

“Alcohol is something that’s far riskier than cannabis use for health, in terms of morbidity and mortality,” Angela Bryan, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, told Scientific American. “I think [cannabis] should be treated like other drugs that people use for various reasons—alcohol, caffeine, nicotine. It should be regulated, but I don’t think it should be banned.”

McDuff points out that if cannabis is considered a substance of abuse, alcohol should be as well. “Alcohol use would surely violate all three of WADA's criteria.”

In September, WADA announced that it is reviewing cannabis’s status as a prohibited substance, but that it will remain prohibited in competition through 2022. The announcement followed a summer of negative media attention and criticism following Richardson’s suspension.

In response to a request from lawmakers to revisit its policies on cannabis, WADA pointed out that historically, the U.S. has been “one of the most vocal and strong advocates for including cannabinoids on the Prohibited List.”

“WADA has, for more than two decades, faithfully and obediently followed U.S. demands to assist in supporting its domestic drug policy agenda,” says Pielke, “only now to find itself subject to criticism from U.S. policymakers.”

[health-product-for-men]

Sharper Focus and Calmer Mind: My Experience with ProNervium

As someone who juggles a demanding job and a busy personal life, I constantly strive to optimize my cognitive function. After all, mental clarity and focus are essential for productivity and overall well-being. That's why I decided to try ProNervium, a supplement specifically designed to support brain health. After using it for a while now, I'm impressed by the positive impact it's had on my mental sharpness and overall cognitive performance.

Natural Ingredients for Enhanced Focus

One of the things that drew me to ProNervium was its focus on natural ingredients. The formula is packed with vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts known to support cognitive function. Some of the key ingredients that stood out to me were Bacopa monnieri, known for enhancing memory, and Lion's mane mushroom, which has been linked to improved focus and concentration. Having a natural approach to boosting my brainpower was a major selling point.

Improved Concentration and Reduced Brain Fog

The most noticeable benefit I've experienced with ProNervium is the improvement in my concentration. That afternoon slump I used to experience is a thing of the past. I can now stay focused for longer periods during work, allowing me to tackle tasks more efficiently. The brain fog that used to cloud my thinking has also significantly diminished. This newfound clarity allows me to approach my work with a sharper mind and a more creative perspective.

Enhanced Memory and Information Recall

Another positive change I've noticed is the improvement in my memory. Recalling information, whether it's a colleague's name or a specific detail from a meeting, has become significantly easier. This enhanced memory has been a game-changer in my professional life, allowing me to retain information more effectively. The frustration of forgetting important details has become a distant memory.

A Calm and Balanced Mind

ProNervium's benefits extend beyond just improved focus and memory. The supplement seems to promote a sense of calmness and mental balance. I find myself feeling less stressed and more able to manage pressure effectively. This sense of inner calm allows me to approach challenges with a clearer head and make more rational decisions.

A Note on Individual Results

It's important to remember that individual results may vary. While ProNervium has worked well for me, it might not produce the same effects for everyone. It's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Overall, I've been very pleased with my experience using ProNervium. The natural formula, noticeable improvement in focus and memory, and the calming effect on my mind have all contributed to a more productive and well-rounded approach to my daily life. If you're looking for a natural way to support your brain health and cognitive function, ProNervium might be worth considering, but always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements.

[ecomehdi]

The Brain: Exploring the Benefits of Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain Supplements 2023

In a world dominated by screens, notifications, and constant connectivity, it’s hard not to wonder: Is technology shaping our brains for the better or for the worse? As we dive into this thought-provoking journey, let’s unravel the intricacies of the relationship between technology and our brains, exploring the impact it has on our cognitive well-being. Introduction Let’s embark on a journey to…

[mindbodyhealth-blog]

Unlocking Optimal Health: The Crucial Role of a Balanced Diet in Your Daily Life

[writestuffonline]

Boost Memory for Optimal Brain Function

"Turn your brain into a superhero! 🧠⚡ Discover top tips to boost memory for optimal brain function. Never forget where you left your cape again! 😂🦸‍♂️ #MemoryBoost #BrainFunction #CognitiveHealth #MentalClarity #BrainPower #MemoryHack

In our fast-paced world, memory is key to our daily lives. It’s not just about remembering the past. It’s the base for learning and making choices. Learning memory-boosting strategies for optimal brain function can make us smarter and more focused. Doing things like exercising or eating right can really help your brain. These habits make our memory better and help us handle daily tasks better.…