By: Kira Schaefer
We all can painfully recall the feelings of isolation and burn-out from online classes due to COVID-19 for teachers and students alike. While the return to in-person classes and social events has been celebrated, it is important to recognize the decrease in motivation that comes along with them. The pandemic has left students searching for new studying habits or techniques as they begin to take in-person tests for the first time in two years. Luckily, I have a solution for the perfect study spot to boost motivation: a local coffee shop!
The return to in-person classes also means the opening of small businesses, specifically coffee shops. Coffee shops offer a multitude of benefits for its customers. While sipping on a delicious and energizing beverage, workers can feel inspired by the community of other passionate individuals at work in the shop. Additionally, cafes’ bright lighting and calming music provide the perfect combination to complete one’s work.
According to a study done by the University of Illinois, individuals’ creativity flows easier in an environment that rests at 70 decibels, which is the exact rhythm of a coffee shop. The relaxing music and hum of other people talking provide the perfect background noise to accomplish tasks. These shops can also improve mental health, as they often boast beautiful natural lighting. Natural sunlight can boost vitamin C storage, which helps combat depression and anxiety, according to North Carolina State University.
Additionally, coffee is more than just an overpriced instagram story post, it actually has multiple productivity benefits! The average American adult consumes about 200 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is around one strong cup of coffee. This amount of caffeine has been proven to help bolster the brain’s “pattern separation” performance. Psychologists with the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins define pattern separation as the ability to discern between two similar but not identical events, which can help with memory retention.
Many might argue that a coffee shop could be a distracting work environment, but it is important to recognize that not every coffee shop is the same. You must explore many before finding the perfect one that works for you. Fortunately, Burlington, VT, offers a multitude of beautiful cafes with delicious drinks and treats.
Kru Coffee, located on Church Street, is one of my favorite destinations to do work in. With an abundance of natural lighting and comfortable seating, I am always motivated to finish my work. The shop is often filled with other college students, which provides an inspiring and collaborative environment. Kru is also an excellent spot for delicious pastries and drinks, like their salted chocolate chip cookie and nutella latte. Make sure to get there early as they sell out fast!
However, Kru can get pretty crowded and might be overwhelming for people who prefer to work in quiet environments. Vivid Coffee on Cherry Street offers a more peaceful alternative. The wide back room allows for people to spread out and do their work, limiting the noise levels within the shop. The room is illuminated by the sounds of calm piano music, which provides the perfect background noise to get a big project done. If you choose to sit in the front, the floor to ceiling windows give off beautiful natural lighting that will increase your mood while you work. Similar to Kru, Vivid has incredible coffee selections, like their delicious hot matcha latte with beautiful designs.
As we struggle to readjust to in person classes, a visit to your local coffee shop can provide the perfect environment to reignite your motivation. They boost vitamin C storage, improve memory retention, and are the perfect noise level for concentration. Shops like Kru and Vivid Coffee provide the perfect environment to work off that post-covid stress.
*Edited by Molly P.