Coffee is an essential item in everyday life, a hot drink that energizes and helps people start the day. But when do people drink coffee? There exists a widespread belief that it’s mainly consumed during the morning hours, but is that the only time for enjoying a cup? Here we take a closer look at the coffee drinking habits of people around the world and who drinks when.
To start off, the primary reason most people cite for drinking coffee is to give them a much needed energy boost in the morning. This is one of the greatest benefits of coffee and is also why so many people drink it – to get up and get going as soon as possible. Coffee is packed with antioxidants and caffeine, helping people fight fatigue and make them more resilient against stress. Whether it’s following a tiring exercise routine, a long night of studying or to make it through a hectic work day, millions of people across the globe opt to drink coffee.
According to experts, caffeine’s effects on the body are most potent between 9 am and 11 am. This explains why the majority of coffee drinkers may choose to sip a cup of joe within this window. However, there are days when drinking a cup late in the day can be beneficial: stuck with a project, staying out late or early morning breakfasts for a special occasion.
In recent years, other types of coffee drinks have become popular, such as cold-pressed, iced and blended. Thanks to modern day technology, cold-pressed and iced coffees are widely available and can suit a variety of taste buds. During the summer season, these drinks become more popular as light and refreshing options that won’t be as heavy on the stomach as brewed coffee. Furthermore, on busy mornings where time is scarce, smoothies, espresso shots and mochas have become popular quick beverages that still offer the same energizing effect.
So when do people drink coffee? Although consumer habits are shifting, the traditional answer still reigns true: during the morning hours. Whether it’s your daily cup of joe or a refreshing cold brew on a hot summer’s day, count on coffee to give you that extra little boost. But that said, there’s certainly no harm in drinking coffee at other times of day, so long as its done in moderation.
Coffee for Late Night Studying
Most people will agree that coffee is a must-have for late night studying. It helps to make time move more quickly and its caffeine energizes both the body and mind. Drinking coffee late in the evening might appear counterintuitive, as it disrupts sleep later on, but if enjoyed a few hours before hitting the pillow, it can give you a much needed performance boost while staying up late.
A moderate cup of coffee, just enough to power up without making jittery, can help you stay focused, energized and productive. According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, students who drank coffee while studying had greater cognitive performance in their exams compared to those who didn’t. Moreover, moderate amounts of caffeine from coffee can help sharpen focus and alertness as long as its consumed in moderation.
Given its energizing properties, coffee may help reduce the amount of caffeine taken after in the day. Substituting coffee for sugary drinks and energy shots can help lessen the amount of caffeine in the body and help restore a healthy sleeping pattern. This can ultimately improve cognitive performance and general health in the long run.
Coffee and Working in the Afternoon
Coffee has traditionally been associated with increased productivity, and a cup of coffee as an afternoon pick me up is becoming more popular. Afternoon drinkers tend to experience a decline in energy and alertness, and in some cases this occurs due to not getting enough sleep the night before and not eating enough food during the morning. This is why consuming some coffee during the mid-day is beneficial.
Coffee can help restore energy and alertness levels, so long as caffeine intake is kept in moderation. As it takes approximately 45 minutes for the caffeine to completely enter the bloodstream, its effects will be experienced closer towards the end of the afternoon, making it perfect for pulling an all-nighter.
Some caution should be taken for those who are especially sensitive. People who are predisposed to hypertension and other medical conditions may benefit from eating food and taking short breaks to help restore energy levels. Also, prolonged periods of caffeine intake may disrupt longer-term energy levels, so moderation is key.
Coffee During the Weekend
Although most people will drink coffee during the morning, it may be beneficial to extend those coffee drinking habits during the weekend. Leveraging the energizing effects of caffeine can help people make the most of their weekend and get the most out of their day.
Drinking coffee during the weekend can help a person stay on top of their game and make it through more tasks. Whether it’s grocery shopping or running errands, coffee can help give that extra edge of alertness to get through the task. In addition, those who opt to stay in bed and read a book on a lazy Sunday can also benefit from coffee, as it can add a bit of special flavor to reading experience, so long as it’s consumed in moderation.
Coffee During Special Occasions
Coffee drinking isn’t relegated to only early morning hours, or during periods of exhaustion. Coffee can also be enjoyed during special occasions, and even for purely social occasions. Since its availability has made it one of the most popular beverages in the world, it has become a tool for socializing and enjoying good company, whether it’s for a birthday, party or other event.
What makes coffee so appealing is its flavour and aroma. Like alcohol, coffee has the ability to bring people together and create a unique atmosphere and conversation. Plus, depending on people’s tastes, different roasts, blends and flavours are available to entertain different palettes, making it a great accompaniment for any event.
Coffee and Mental Health
Studies suggest associations between caffeine consumption and mental health. At certain amounts, coffee and caffeine consumption can interfere with one’s mental health, and can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances and long-term cognitive decline. Apart from timing, and regardless of when you decide to drink it, it’s important to limit intake and be aware of the amount of caffeine you consume.
In general, health experts recommend adults to consume no more than 400mg of caffeine a day, which is approximately four cups of coffee. This is especially important for those who suffer from any mental health conditions, as excessive consumption can worsen symptoms. For people specifically struggling with anxiety, it’s recommended to limit intake to 1 cup of coffee a day.
Coffee is a popular drink that helps millions of people around the world to get going in the morning and to stay energized throughout the day. But when do people drink coffee? Contrary to the traditional belief, coffee isn’t consumed only in the morning, though that remains its primary purpose. Coffee can be enjoyed at other times during the day, such as for late-night studying or for special occasions. It’s important, however, to drink coffee in moderation, as excessive consumption can interfere with mental health.
