Coffee break – It’s a habit that many of us are accustomed to anyway. Starting your day with a cup of coffee is not just something that a lot of people have got used to, there is evidence to suggest that it can be good for the mind, and even good for the soul.
When you wake up first thing in the morning, it is unlikely that you’ll feel on top of the world. That morning grogginess can be tackled by a few different activities, and many of us blow away the cobwebs by getting in the shower. But, did you know that a nice cup of coffee can also be a way to kick start your day?
Here are some of the reasons why it is important to start your day with a coffee break and get yourself in the frame of mind for whatever the day has in store for you.
#1: Helping Your Body Be At Its Best
Drinking coffee can help you with burning fat, and the caffeine within can improve your metabolism and help with oxidation of fatty acids in your system. There is a reason why a lot of athletes don’t just have traditional ‘sports drinks’ but also enjoy coffee or energy drinks to help them to perform best.
If you have the sort of job where you need to perform physically, or you find that going for a morning run can also help you out, then it is a good idea to think about a morning cup of joe to get you going. Some people even opt for robusta coffee beans because of their higher content of caffeine.
There are actually many ways in which coffee (and caffeine specifically) can aid athletic performance.
#2: It’s Good For You
Generally speaking, the majority of the substances found in coffee beans are good for you. Okay, this might not necessarily be true if you turn your morning filter coffee into a caramel latte with cream and chocolate dusting, but if you are happy with good old espresso or traditional brewing methods, coffee is likely to be good for your system.
Riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium are among the excellent nutritional properties found within coffee. All of these have been linked with a stronger immune system.
Many people also know that coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which is one of the reasons why fruit and veg is so good for you. That’s right, coffee is a bit like having one of your “five a day”.
Antioxidants can help you to fight disease, and have tonnes of other benefits for your body.
Even if you are trying to cut down on caffeine and you drink decaf in the morning, some of these benefits are still in place. Coffee has even been linked with higher life expectancy and a reduced chance of developing certain illnesses.
#3: Coffee is a Stimulant
Most people know this. Coffee increases your energy, or at least increases the focus you have in your brain.
Many studies have linked caffeine consumption to higher brain function, increased memory, and even a better mood. However, there are studies that show that too much caffeine can be a depressant, so there is a fine line here.
That said, there is a good reason why so many of us are reaching for the coffee in the morning. If you’re feeling a bit drowsy and like a zombie then the fact that caffeine can boost your brain function might just give you that boost you need.
#4: Time For Yourself
When is the first time you actually stop over the course of the day?
Some of us wake up, have a shower, and we’re instantly into the jobs of the day. From making lunch for the children and taking them to school, through to that 9am meeting we wish we hadn’t booked.
This rushing around isn’t good for us. We’re not going to go to the extent of saying that you should meditate every morning, but taking even a 10 minute coffee break for yourself can be ideal.
Try having a mindful drink next time and see if this can also help you to feel more alert and boost your mood for the rest of the day. Being present in the moment is something we may not do all day if we aren’t careful. You need to make time for yourself.
#5: It’s Easier Than Ever
It’s always been pretty easy to make a quick cup of instant coffee, but is that really the best we can do? In the modern age, there are so many devices, pod and capsule coffee machines that can make a delicious cup of joe in 60 seconds. Some can even be controlled from your phone. You can brew from your bed and have your coffee ready in the other room!
It’s always been important to try and make time for yourself and enjoy coffee, but now it is easy and straightforward, too.
We hope these few simple tips will encourage you to take time for a coffee break throughout your busy day. A coffee break can have so many benefits for your mind and body, all whilst helping you to be fully functional to tackle your day!
