The Ultimate Productivity Hack
Comes in caffeinated and decaffeinated versions.
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Coffee might be one of the most scrutinized beverages ever. Do a google search and you’ll likely think coffee is the “super-est” of foods. In fact, there was a recent article that listed a mammoth 85 benefits for coffee. Hmm, I don’t know about that.
My life-long devotion to coffee started back when I was selling advertising in magazines. Gear Magazine to be specific. You do remember magazines don’t you? Since then, I’ve realized that while coffee may not be a superfood, it’s the ultimate productivity hack and could be the key to you maximizing your day.
Not sure you want to believe me? No hard feelings. But read on and decide for yourself.
It’s a relationship builder. In this day and age of the “you know what” we all need reasons to get out of the house and socialize. Not only do connections help you live longer, they are a key to being professional and building your career. Coffee is an easy ice breaker. When you put forth those simple words, “let’s get a coffee”, you put a smile on someone else’s face and move your career forward. In fact, I encourage you to set up three coffee chats this week. Tell me if I’m wrong.
It’s habit-forming - We all know the value of morning routines and habits. If you want to start a strong morning routine, making that cup of coffee should be at the top of the list. The smell and taste of coffee will help you get out of bed and soon you’ll be adding meditation, exercise, journaling and more to that list making you a more well-rounded person.
It’s meditative - We all know the benefits of mindfulness and staying in the present moment to calm the mind. Coffee is a great way to focus on what’s in front of you…the coffee. When you are beginning that meditation in the morning and having trouble getting focused, just close your eyes and take three strong sniffs of that coffee. That’s sure to you put you in the proper state of mindfulness.
It makes exercise even better. As you know, I’m a big exercise guy and coffee can help increase performance. They say having a cup of black coffee about an hour before workout and your performance can improve by 11-12%. Caffeine increases adrenaline which is your body’s “fight or flight” hormone that will help you to prepare for that morning workout.
Coffee is happy juice. - Caffeine can lift your mood and create more positivity to the start of the day making you a better worker. Caffeine stimulates all the goodies in your central nervous system and boosts the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which elevate your mood.
Researchers also found that drinking coffee is linked to pleasure, kindness, affection, satisfaction, friendship, calm, and more. Who doesn’t want more of that?
Coffee is good for the brain. - We all need those important antioxidants which help improve your memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance. Coffee happens to be included in that precious group of antioxidant-rich foods. I strongly encourage you to include berries (especially blueberries); fruits and vegetables like carrots, spinach, and some dark chocolate too.
Is coffee a superfood? Hard to say. But my own experience shows that coffee (or tea) can be a superb productive hack and your best morning advocate in building a career and personal growth.
Bottoms up.