Use Your Coffee For Better Productivity
If you like coffee you’ll love this! In this article Rudi Caretti looks at how coffee can improve your productivity, and when the best time to drink it is (shock! It’s not when you first wake up!)
For many people across the globe, coffee is an indispensable part of their morning routine, the key to actually waking up, as opposed to just rolling out of bed. There’s a reason “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” is a rule many of us live by! Once the caffeine hits our system, coupled with the heat and distinctive aroma, the day is finally ready to begin!
Luckily for us coffee lovers, our beloved beverage is good for far more than that morning perk: planning and optimizing your coffee intake also great for boosting your productivity and keeping your workday running at peak performance and comfort. You can even order your favourite roasts from the comfort of your own home from companies like JD Brews Coffee so you never miss out on a cup in the morning – and have even more time to spend being productive!
How? Read on and find out!
Is Coffee Really That Good For Waking You Up In The Mornings?
This may be a controversial statement, but some studies show it may actually be better to wait instead of going right for your morning Joe. There’s definitely a Pavlovian response to morning coffee, but as your caffeine tolerance grows, so too does the amount you need to get the same effect. If you can, try waiting until a little later in the morning before your first cup of coffee.
The theory behind this mixes a little bit of brain chemistry with a little bit of good old-fashioned timing. The brain makes a chemical called cortisol, which is responsible for controlling blood pressure, managing the body’s inflammatory response, and other functions. It also helps keep us awake and alert! The brain’s morning cortisol production does a good job of waking the body up on its own, but once those chemicals start to taper off, caffeine can step in and do its best work.
What’s The Best Time Of Day For Coffee?
There are several times during the course of a day that a caffeine boost can do the most good. If you can stand to wait, try drinking your first coffee of the day between 9:30 AM and 11 AM, after your morning cortisol production has slowed. Use that extra energy to kick your workday into gear!
Coffee can also help you beat the notorious mid-afternoon blues. Everyone’s familiar with that post-lunch lethargy when the clock seems to slow down. That’s not a coincidence: it’s science! The body’s cortisol production dips again between 2 PM and 5 PM, meaning it’s a great time to take a break and refill your mug.
An afternoon coffee break is important for more than just your caffeine boost. Breaking up a workday into manageable chunks helps prevent anxiety and getting overwhelmed. Take a mental timeout, maybe enjoy some social time with coworkers, and reap the benefits. You’ll be refreshed, reenergized, and ready to jump your day’s last hurdles.
This Sounds Nice And All, But Do I Need To Be Careful?
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it’s important to understand your own health needs if you’re looking to set up a coffee routine. People with heart conditions, metabolic concerns, or high blood pressure should consult their physicians first, as should pregnant women and those with anxiety disorders. But, if you still have coffee cravings consider drinking decaf coffee to keep yourself healthy – better safe than sorry!
How Much Should I Be Drinking?
Caffeine affects different people in different ways. This is due to genetics and our old friend brain chemistry! While the standard recommendation for daily caffeine intake tends to hover around 400 milligrams, you may not need that much for the desired alertness. In fact, too much – even if it’s still under the limit – may make you anxious and jittery, counteracting the focus you’re working to achieve. Three cups of brewed coffee per day is considered a healthy amount.
Did You Know?
Finland is by far the world’s largest coffee consumer, averaging around 12 kilograms a year per person!
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