Beginner's Guide to Nootropics in 2025

Managing Expectations

First things first - most nootropics have subtle effects. If you're expecting something that feels like a strong drug, you'll probably be disappointed. These supplements work with your body's natural systems, so the effects are often gentle and build up over time.

However, everyone's body chemistry is different. It is possible that you will get a strong reaction from a nootropic, but I won't get any noticeable reaction (and vice versa).

Track Everything

This is crucial - you need to pay attention to how these supplements affect you. I use an app called Bearable to track my daily mood, energy, sleep quality, and supplement usage. Sometimes the benefits are so subtle that you only notice them when you look back at your tracking data. After tracking your results in Bearable for a little while, it will start to provide insights on how your supplements affect you. I will be writing an article soon about using Bearable.

When you are tracking your usage, you are more mindful about things like:

• How's my sleep quality?
• How's my energy throughout the day?
• Am I feeling more or less anxious?
• Is it easier to focus on tasks?

Fix the Basics First

Nootropics are not a miracle drug. If you sleep 2 hours a night and then spend the rest of the day sugging on a mountain dew in your gaming chair, a supplement isn't likely to help much. They work best when you've got the basics covered:

• Decent sleep schedule
• Regular water intake
• Basic nutrition
• Some form of exercise
• Managed stress levels

Start With Your Goals

If you don't know which supplement to go for first, look at your current goals.

• Need more energy for the gym?
• Want better focus for work?
• Looking to reduce anxiety?
• Trying to improve sleep?

Start with supplements that target your specific needs. This makes it easier to notice if they're actually helping.

The One-at-a-Time Rule

I know it's tempting to jump straight into some complex stack you found online. I have tried this before and it just seems to be a bad idea.

If you start five different supplements at once:

• You won't know which one is helping
• You won't know which one is causing side effects
• You're spending a lot more money

I think it's a much better idea to find nootropics that work for you, THEN experiment with mixing and matching. It's kind of exciting! You have your own completely unique body chemistry, so maybe there is some perfect stack out there for you that is just waiting to be discovered 🙂

What's Next?

Once you've got these basics down, check out my category pages for specific recommendations. I've tested everything I review personally, and I document all the effects - good and bad.

Remember, this is your journey. What works for me might not work for you, and that's totally fine. The key is finding what works for your body and brain through careful testing and observation.

Stay curious, stay safe, and happy experimenting! 🧠