Which Noot(s) would you recommend/use for improving overall mood and enhancing concentration? Or would Alpha-GPC have both of those covered?
Alpha-GPC, or CDP-Choline, or even choline bitartrate if you're on a budget are going to be good for concentration and focus, although they aren't really "mood boosting" per se. Huperzine-A also goes well with a choline source, and can help with concentration and focus, but it also isn't something that's going to give you a real "mood boost." From there, you could add a racetam. Piracetam is a good one, as is Noopept (which isn't technically a racetam, but is often lumped together in the same category), or aniracetam, which is something that can help with social interaction, and is more of a "social" or "creative" racetam.
Caffeine and theanine is another classic, well-researched combination that can improve concentration and mood. Caffeine and ornithine is another lesser-known combination that has been shown to improve mood. Rhodiola and ashwagandha have both been shown to improve sense of well-being, which can improve mood. Bacopa has also been shown to have some anxiety-reducing effects, and also helps with memory, so is a valuable nootropic. Other adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, and even bacopa can be considered adaptogens), such as tongkat ali can also have beneficial effects on mood and reducing stress/anxiety, although this differs among individuals. For some lesser known ingredients, kanna (sceletium tortuosum) has also been shown to improve mood, as has sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia or Salvia officinalis).
So here's a little layout/template, if you wanted to try things out individually or in smaller combinations instead of all at once in a finished product:
-Caffeine + theanine and/or ornithine (for energy, focus, and possibly improved mood; classic examples of actual "synergy")
-Choline (CDP, GPC, or bitartrate) + Huperzine-A (optional, but recommended IMO) + Racetam (piracetam, Noopept*, or aniracetam)
*not technically a racetam, I know
-Bacopa and/or Ashwagandha (both can help with stress/anxiety, but ashwagandha is better suited for reducing stress/anxiety, while bacopa is better for improving memory. You may want to take them with caffeine and/or other stimulants, as they can be too calming to want to get much work done otherwise. I personally take bacopa with caffeine in the morning, and ashwagandha in the evening/night)
-Rhodiola (this will be especially useful if you're stressed, sleep-deprived, etc, and can really be combined with any of the above)
