As remote work has become the new global standard, most employees face productivity problems. But everyone tries to deal with the situation in their own way.
Many prefer to have a morning routine that includes exercise, reading, meditation. Meanwhile, others prefer the Jackie Chan method: drinking coffee. In fact, 43 per cent of employees start their day with coffee. While many others continue to drink it throughout the day.
So how does sitting in a coffee shop and drinking a cup of premium-roast coffee affect your productivity?
This article shows you how and gives you the types of coffee you can take to boost your productivity.
4 ways coffee can boost your productivity
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Improves your mental performance
Hundreds of studies successfully show that caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors – a chemical in your brain that causes sleepiness. As a result, many people feel less tired when they drink coffee.
In low doses, caffeine also improves mental alertness and performance.
However, keep in mind that caffeine does not treat everyone the same way. How you personally react to caffeine can be very different from that of someone you know.
Other determinants of your body’s reaction to coffee include the amount you consume, your age and weight, and even your sleep quality.
You should be aware that you may develop a tolerance to caffeine over time. Hence, a single cup of coffee may not be enough to give you the same boost as before.
As a matter of fact, some people don't feel the effects until they've had two cups of coffee. But that's not something to brag about. It just means that you've become addicted to caffeine.
Enhances the quality of your sleep
When you drink coffee, your stomach redistributes caffeine through your bloodstream to multiple parts of your body, including your brain. Once caffeine reaches your brain, it attaches to your adenosine receptors.
Adenosine is what helps you feel drowsy and regulates your sleep-wake cycle. As caffeine binds to your adenosine receptors, your brain doesn't process its adenosine. But, that doesn't mean your brain stops producing it. So, once the caffeine dissipates, there is a build-up of adenosine that binds to the receptors in your brain. Therefore, making you feel tired.
When a person sleeps more, they are more focused and better able to perform tasks. As a result, they are more efficient and can feel better about their work.
A growing body of research suggests that a good night's sleep provides a serious boost to productivity. One study of U.S. workers found that "productivity is significantly lower" among those who slept less. It also estimated the loss of productivity per worker because of poor sleep at about $2,000.
So in small doses, caffeine should not affect your sleep schedule and be aware that moderation in coffee consumption is your best choice.
Boosts your willpower
As you make decisions throughout the day, your level of motivation and willingness takes a hit.
This is one reason Steve Jobs bought several versions of the same colour suit. This is because he didn't want to waste brainpower on picking an outfit each morning. This way, he could use his willpower for more important decisions.
It turns out that coffee can strengthen willpower and self-control, especially when you're exhausted.
It is not wise to make an important decision when you are tired. You may end up compromising your values or undertake new projects at inappropriate times. Even worse, you may even succumb to the pressure of negotiations.
However, drinking coffee ahead of time can help you hold off and make better decisions. It's a good thing to keep in mind if you've had a busy day and still have important decisions to make.
Helps you learn faster
Everyone learns in different ways and from various sources of information such as books, magazines, tutorials, audios, etc. Continuous learning requires attention and concentration, which, like willpower, can diminish throughout the day.
One study has shown that about 200 milligrams of caffeine can improve your ability to identify sentences and words faster than you could without coffee.
Numerous entrepreneurs set themselves up to acquire new skills, learn new technology, or better understand their business among others in their industry. A couple of coffee cups may be just what you need to give your full attention to the material you are studying and put it to use in your business.
3 types of coffee that keep you productive
Differences in strength and brewing methods will have an impact on your coffee. For many people, the goal is to get as much caffeine as possible. Others are looking for the right flavour, and many find a perfect marriage between these extremes.
Here are 3 coffee styles to keep your day productive.
Espresso
Espresso coffee gives you the fastest way to increase your productivity, as it gives an instant mental boost and its effects can last for several hours.
Drinking the espresso is the purest coffee experience there is. Although not everyone likes it, it can be a unique drinking experience when you find an excellent brew.
Research indicates that by starting the day with a cup of coffee, you are more likely to meet your physical activity goals.
So the caffeine in an espresso gives you a productivity boost that helps you stop Netflix, get out of bed, take a bike ride and come back with plenty of energy to start your day.
Americano
An Americano is nothing more than a simple combination of espresso with lots of hot water.
It is a diluted form of espresso that can also be an excellent productivity booster.
American soldiers made this type of coffee during the Second World War to make their drinks last longer; hence, the name.
Bulletproof coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a drink that combines oil, coffee, and butter. This creamy coffee is served hot and looks just like a latte.
It usually mixes a cup of black coffee with 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted grass-fed butter and 1 to 2 tablespoons of an oil called medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), a type of easily digestible fat.
The basic science behind the recipe is that it provides energy to the brain through the coffee and essential fats, for a balanced, non-nervous stimulation that lasts for hours. To combat mental exhaustion in your workplace, this blend is therefore worth considering.
So, how does coffee work for you at work?
By and large, it's clear that caffeine can help improve your productivity. It's ideal for stimulating cognitive functions, making you more energetic and increasing alertness. Best of all, coffee can just be the beverage that you enjoy all day long.
AUTHOR BIO
Drew Dennehy is the co-founder of THREE Coffee, one of the region’s leading speciality coffee companies, headquartered in Dubai. His passion for coffee has led to the pursuit of career opportunities around the world from New Zealand and Europe to the United Arab Emirates.
Drew’s goal is to enhance coffee experiences and ensure the industry is sustainable at every level. “We will achieve this by telling the story of the farmers who make each cup possible.”
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