
Some days you wake up chirpy and
energetic waiting for the day to begin and some days you arise wishing there
were a few more hours left to sleep.
Whether
you wake up full of energy or get out of bed wishing for something that
will kick start your day, a cup of coffee will boost your energy and get you
going for a long day ahead, whether at work or at home with the kids.
Caffeine in coffee: A natural stimulant
Known
for its “wake-up” effect, caffeine in coffee stimulates both physical and
mental performance, making it a popular beverage all across the world.
Coffee: A fresh morning start
In
the morning reaching for a cup of coffee improves your alertness and helps you
overcome fatigue and drowsiness, giving you an energetic start to your day.
A
recent study shows that in moderation, 300mg of caffeine/day, the amount found
in 3-4 cups will not only increase your alertness but also help improve your
short term memory and enhance your performance. It will help you stay focused
during the day and more concentrated at work.
Here are some additional tips to help you start your day fresh
and perform better:
o A good nights
rest is sure to help: 8 hours of sleep are usually enough to help
you wake up energized. And if you have to get up early, go to bed a little
earlier that usual. Even an extra ½ hour of sleep can do wonders.
o Get an active
start: Going for a 15 minute jog or even exercising at home in the
morning can really help.
o Start your day
in a healthy way: Proper nutrition after a night of sleep
will get your system functioning better and help you overcome fatigue. Make
sure to get a balanced breakfast with complex carbohydrates, a source of
protein, calcium plus fruits and vegetables for extra vitamins, minerals and
fiber. In addition, pack up nutritious snacks to help you hold on till lunch
time.
Stimulate your day after lunch! It is
quite normal to feel sleepy after a heavy lunch. And there is significant
evidence that demonstrates the existence of a post lunch dip, resulting in an
inability to sustain attention. This is normal and is in fact our body’s
natural rhythm for demanding rest, usually occurring about 7 hours after waking
up.
This
is why a stimulating cup of coffee after lunch can help you get your work
performance back on track. Caffeine helps you overcome drowsiness and fatigue
while restoring your alertness. It will boost your energy and improve your
concentration, making it just what you need to get through the second half of
the day.
Did you know? Coffee can also put
you in a better mood after lunch. Studies show that people who have a coffee
after lunch feel more contented and are more interested in their work.
What else can you do to reduce the post lunch
dip?
o Indulge a
little less at lunch: Evidence shows that eating a smaller portion at lunch
will definitely reduce your post lunch slump. Eating meals that are low in fat
and rich in fruits and vegetables will also help.
o Keep
yourself active: If you are feeling sleepy after lunch, take a 5 minute walk,
preferably outside for some fresh air and natural light. If this is not
possible, try walking indoors in your office or building… before you resume
work as usual.
o Put on
some music: Whether on your computer or personal player, music will give you a
little mood change making it easier to get through the day.
Whatever
your reason, whether to start your day or to help maintain your energy, coffee
is a drink you can enjoy anytime. For coffee lovers, remember to drink coffee
in moderation, i.e 3-4 cups a day.
Good to know: 80% of employees say they are more productive and relaxed at the
workplace when they have their coffee.