For many students, myself included, coffee is a non-negotiable part of the day–and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t personally see my reliance on coffee as a bad thing. It truly does bring me joy and it will get me out of my bed in the morning, especially for those walks to Stein for an 8am…with an obligatory stop at Café Babel. Since coffee is so important to me and many others, I think it is extremely useful to make sure daily coffee habits align with the demands of college life in general.
To start, the benefits of drinking coffee, in healthy amounts, go far beyond increased focus and energy. Studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers are at a reduced risk of depression, which is an increasing problem amongst college age students. Caffeine also has a number of important long term health benefits such as reduced risk for type two diabetes, as well as heart and liver health. It has also been linked with an increased athletic performance. So, with these benefits in mind, what are ways that we can get the most out of drinking coffee as college students?
Don’t drink it too close to bed
I know it’s hard to avoid wanting to have caffeine to gear up for a late night study session, but studying won’t matter if the quality of sleep is lost due to drinking coffee too close to falling asleep. It is important to balance the benefits of increased focus and not let coffee interfere with other important parts of the day. The recommended practice is to avoid consuming caffeine for a minimum of 6 hours before climbing into bed. This may seem unrealistic for many of us, so instead maybe try to slowly scale back the coffee in the afternoon little by little.
Mix up your coffee order
The emotional attachment that forms with a certain coffee order at your favorite café is very real, and I am no stranger to this feeling. My medium iced caramel with oat milk is my go-to, but lately, I have found that it might be helpful to switch it up a bit. First of all, flavor shots, cream, and sugar all cost extra–and that cost can quickly add up over time, as regular drinkers can attest to. So, a simplified coffee order, while tough to part with your favorite, can cut back on the cost and the added sugar. Of course, how you take your coffee is a very personal choice and it should stay that way. But maybe once a week try an unflavored black coffee or with milk, or when you’re strictly looking for a no-frills caffeine hit, try an espresso.
Know there are other ways to increase energy and mood
Lastly, I think it is important to note that when trying to develop a healthy relationship with coffee, knowing there are other options out there to get similar results can help stop an unhealthy reliance on it. Regular exercise, fresh air, and proper nutrition can all increase energy levels as well. If you are looking for an even similar manner to getting caffeine, maybe try a tea such as matcha, or even kombucha. There are many different methods, from drinks to lifestyle choices, that can supplement coffee use and stave off a harmful reliance.
Link, Rachael. “9 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 11 Jan. 2022, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee. Walle, Gavin
Van De. “When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 15 May 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-time-to-drink-coffee.