Happy World Productivity Day! - 20th June
How caffeine boosts your productivity
From the comforting warmth of your morning cup of joe to the energising buzz of an afternoon espresso, coffee has an undeniable allure. But the appeal of this beloved beverage extends far beyond its inviting aroma and delicious taste- honestly, if you haven’t tried our flavoured coffee, do yourself a favour and give them a go, but for now, read on!
Caffeine, the most commonly ingested psychoactive substance globally, hello morning coffee, is the secret behind coffee's power to kickstart your day, combat lethargy, and enhance focus. So we are delving into the workings of caffeine and exploring its effects on mood and productivity.
Namely why, when you need to get stuff done, your first instinct is often to grab a cup of coffee.
The Science of Coffee & Caffeine
How does coffee help you get stuff done? We need to look at how caffeine affects your body. Caffeine inhibits adenosine intake in the brain. Neurons produce adenosine, as they fire throughout the day, gradually slowing down the nervous system. Once adenosine reaches a certain threshold, the nervous system induces sleep.
However, when consumed, caffeine binds to the A1 receptor, preventing adenosine from acting, thereby maintaining a state of alertness and wakefulness. Basically, it plays wicketkeeper to the chemicals telling your body to power down and sleep, blocking them from getting through and making you feel readier to take on your to-do list.
Caffeine has been found to influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial in regulating our emotions and mood. It can uplift our mood and impart a sense of well-being by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Consequently, it can potentially combat feelings of fatigue, sadness, and even depression.
In a nutshell, you drink your coffee, and the caffeine gives you a dopamine hit making you feel happier and blocking the sleepy chemicals. So now you feel happy, more awake and ready to take on the world. All from just one cup (ok, two cups for those with a high tolerance).
Productivity and Coffee
When it comes to productivity, caffeine has proven to be a helpful boost to getting that to-do list done. Caffeine enhances alertness, improves cognitive function, and boosts physical performance. It stimulates the central nervous system, combats fatigue, and enhances memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, caffeine impacts the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, planning, and working memory.
Or, in plain terms, a great cup of coffee can help you get more stuff done faster and feel good about it.
Consequently, it can enhance your ability to concentrate, process information, and make quick, accurate decisions. Caffeine also has the potential to enhance physical performance by increasing endurance, improving muscle strength, and reducing the perception of effort during exercise. So next time you’ve got a run, swim or workout session planned, a quick shot of coffee might just be the way to hit those personal bests.
However, like any substance, the efficacy of caffeine depends on various factors such as dosage, body composition, weight, age, time of day, and even the quality of sleep. For those sensitive or new to caffeine, even small doses can have a substantial impact. So if you aren’t a regular coffee drinker, you’ll need far less coffee to boost your productivity. However, you might reach for an extra cup for those of us daily drinkers to get the same productivity hit.
Getting the most from your cup
We hate to say it, but while caffeine can be an ally in your quest for a more productive and fulfilling day, it isn't a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Getting sufficient rest, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress effectively is essential. These factors are indispensable in boosting mood, enhancing cognitive functions, and improving productivity. So while a cup of delicious coffee is a great tool to help you get more done, it won’t work as well as it could without a foundation of healthy habits. Trust us, we’ve tried to replace coffee with sleep and healthy eating, and while we love it, no one feels great after a while.
Lastly, remember that caffeine’s impact on sleep varies from person to person. Some may be able to enjoy a cup of coffee in the evening without repercussions, while others might struggle to fall asleep at their usual time. As such, if caffeine affects your sleep, it could potentially hinder productivity the following day. We suggest switching to a delicious decaf blend after 2 pm, so you still get a great night's sleep but can enjoy a coffee in the afternoon.
There’s no hard or fast rule for coffee; your relationship with caffeine should be one of mutual respect - that includes ensuring you are making coffee with high-quality, great-tasting beans like ours. Understand your body's reactions to it, appreciate its benefits, and acknowledge its limitations. Used wisely, caffeine can be a secret weapon in your pursuit of a more energetic, focused, and productive life.
Whether you're a freelancer working from your favourite coffee shop, an office worker needing that midday pick-me-up, or simply someone who enjoys the taste and ritual of a morning brew, enjoy your coffee knowing its potential benefits extend far beyond its inviting aroma and delicious taste.
Here's to a more energised and productive you, one cup at a time.
