When I Drink Coffee
Coffee has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From coffee shops to at-home brews, coffee is one of my daily must-haves. Though I’m not an expert on the topic, I have learned a few things about my coffee drinking habits.
At its core, coffee is a stimulant. Caffeine, an active ingredient in coffee, can affect how our body and brain functions. Caffeine can increase mental alertness and reduce risk for certain diseases. It can also improve physical performance and endurance, though the effects will be dependent on the individual. Health experts suggest having no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, the equivalent of about four 8 ounce cups.
I love to start my day with a cup of coffee, as it helps me feel awake and energized. It’s an essential part of my morning routine, and I’ve noticed that when I skip it, I’m less productive throughout the day. My coffee gets me out of bed and revving my engines, so to speak.
Coffee is more than just a way to keep me going. It’s also a social activity. When work became remote due to the pandemic, many of my colleagues and I began sharing virtual coffee breaks. Not only have these made our workdays feel a bit more normal, but now I get to talk with colleagues I would normally never have time to chat with. It’s been a great way to stay connected.
Coffee has even become part of my creative process. Though I never thought it would, coffee helps me feel inspired and sparks unique ideas. Taking a few minutes away from the task at hand to enjoy a good cup of joe has become the norm, both at work and at home.
I’ve been making an effort to be more mindful of my coffee habits. I’ve started drinking caffeinated beverages, like coffee, only in the morning. Doing so has also helped me reduce sugar and calories in my diet, since many croissants and bakery items often go hand-in-hand with my morning brew.
Exploring Different Types of Coffee
Just like wine and beer, different types of coffee have distinct flavors. From a dark roast espresso to a single-origin cold brew, I’ve started exploring different flavors and their effects on my body.
Iced coffee has become a summertime favorite, as it cools me down, wakes me up, and gives me energy to get through the day. Experimenting with different cafes and roasters has enabled me to find new favorites and explore the world of coffee.
As I continue my journey with coffee, I’ve also begun experimenting with at-home brews. I’ve invested in a coffeemaker, along with different grounds and milk frothers. I especially love making pour-over coffees, cold brews and lattes at home. It’s been a great way to explore different flavors and techniques, as well as allow for experimentation. I’ve learned a lot about coffee, from flavor profiles to the art of pairing different brews and food.
Finding Balance with My Coffee Habits
Forming healthy habits and understanding how to consume coffee mindfully has been key. I’ve been mindful of how much caffeine I have in one day and make sure to have other caffeine-free drinks during the day. Water has been the go-to beverage of choice, as it keeps me hydrated and energized without that extra buzz.
It’s also been important to find balance. While it’s easy to get swept away in the myriad of coffee choices, I strive to find a happy balance with coffee. That means enjoying it without relying on it too heavily. For me, that’s been focusing on quality over quantity.
Spicing up My Coffee Experience
Though coffee is a morning staple for me, I’ve also been exploring different ways to enjoy coffee throughout the day. While I enjoy plain coffee, I’ve had a great deal of fun with spicing up my coffee.
In the summertime, I love nothing more than homemade iced lattes with a touch of cinnamon. It brings me back to the coffee shops I used to go to with friends before the pandemic. One of my favorite recipes is simply adding a drizzle of honey and a touch of roasted hazelnut.
Reaping the Benefits of Coffee Throughout the Day
Coffee can be enjoyed at all times of day. For starters, I love having coffee in the afternoon for a mid-day pick-me-up. Not only does it help me stay alert, it’s also become a trigger for me to take a break from work.
I’ve had the best success with my coffee habits when I don’t take it too seriously. I savor the cup and focus on the moment rather than try to ‘power through it’. Coffee is a great way to find moments of respite during the day.
Boosting Creativity with Coffee
There’s something about coffee that helps get my creative gears turning. Whether I’m tackling a daunting project at work or brainstorming ideas at home, coffee helps me focus and come up with creative solutions.
Drinking a cup of coffee helps me open my mind to new ways of thinking. It reduces my tendency to be analytical and helps me think outside of the box. I’ve found that when I pair it with music or a walk, it gives me the creative fuel I need to tackle tasks.
Exploring Organic Coffee Options
I’ve also started getting more conscious about where my coffee is coming from. Organic coffee has become my go-to recently, as it better aligns with my environmental values.
Organic coffee is grown in natural conditions, free of toxins and chemicals. This makes for a much better taste, in my opinion. In addition to this, the organic coffee scene has become more accessible and affordable in recent years, making it easier than ever to make the switch to organic.
My Best Coffee Advice
Overall, I’ve found that when it comes to coffee, it’s all about finding a balance. Staying mindful with my coffee makes all the difference. I try to be intentional when it comes to my coffee brew, and drink it more for enjoyment than out of necessity.
When it comes to coffee, it’s important to find what resonates with you and your body. Whether it’s organic, iced coffee, or coffee with a splash of honey, finding that special brew will make all the difference.
