Is Your Morning Cup of Coffee Killing Your Productivity?

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If you’re like many people, drinking your morning cup of coffee is one of the first things you do each day. In fact, you probably believe you can’t function without that initial jolt to your system. The truth is, this daily habit may actually be hindering your productivity.

The body follows a circadian clock — an innate 24-hour hormonal cycle — that is predominately driven by sunlight. Your circadian clock releases the hormone cortisol every day, which is responsible for making you feel awake.

Caffeine and Cortisol Don’t Mix

For most people, peak cortisol production takes place between 8-9am each day. If you’re drinking coffee while your body is naturally caffeinating itself, you’ll become overstimulated and quickly grow a tolerance to it. Lifestyle habits can impact your circadian clock, but generally speaking, the average person produces the highest levels of cortisol three times each day — 8-9am, 12-1pm and 5:30-6:30pm.

Fear not — you don’t need to stop drinking coffee altogether. Instead, you should just be cognizant of when you’re getting your caffeine fix. Enjoying a cup of coffee during the mid-morning hours or the mid-afternoon hours can be a great way to boost your energy level.

How Much Coffee is Safe to Drink Each Day?

When consumed at the right time of day, a cup of coffee can help you feel alert and attentive. Of course, it is very possible to drink too much, so it’s important to carefully monitor your intake.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult can safely handle up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day, which is approximately four cups of coffee. Consuming more than this can cause a slew of negative side effects — insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, and irritability — so don’t drink more than the recommended daily amount.

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