Do you ever find yourself struggling to concentrate or stay awake in the afternoon? Well, Arnold Schwarzenegger might have a surprising solution for you- and it doesn’t involve caffeine or an energy drink.

Schwarzenegger recently revealed a hack to stay focused during the afternoon, in his newsletter Arnold’s Pump Club. The bodybuilding icon shared his ultimate 20-minute brain boost: chewing gum. Yes, you read it right- chewing gum! But how will chewing gum help you?

Chewing gum: Just like coffee, but without the “jitters”: Arnold Schwarzenegger

In the latest edition of his newsletter, Schwarzenegger showcased research that “suggests that chewing gum is an effective way to increase concentration, focus, and memory and can even boost your mood.” According to Arnie, scientists have discovered that “chewing gum can have similar effects on alertness and attention as caffeine, but without the jitters, addiction, or upset stomach,” that sometimes comes with a strong cup of coffee.

Apart from its benefits, Schwarzenegger also mentioned a catch, the brain-boosting benefits of chewing gum seem to last only for around 20 minutes. Despite the temporary nature of the boost, there are several reasons why gum could be an effective way to stay sharp throughout the day without resorting to other stimulants regularly.

He further explained that research also indicates that chewing gum can help you stay awake during the day, especially if you feel sleepy after lunch. It’s a quick way to feel more alert without needing more coffee. However, remember that this boost is temporary. For long-lasting improvement in focus and memory, it’s important to also include healthy habits like exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep in your routine. Moreover, in the newsletter, Arnie also highlighted that chewing gum can improve blood flow.

A method to improve blood flow to the brain

Chewing gum has been found to increase blood flow by up to 40 percent, Schwarzenegger wrote. This enhanced circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which can help improve cognitive functions. Additionally, “chewing also helps activate your hippocampus, which plays an important role in focus and learning.”

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