Coffee is an unusual drink because it can both relax and stimulate the drinker at the same time. This is because the energy boost provided by the caffeine in coffee soothes the drinker by replacing the depleted energy level that was troubling them in the first place.
This article looks at the relaxing properties of coffee and where they come from, how we respond to them and why we value them.
What’s in coffee that makes me relaxed?
It’s probably a combination of caffeine and sugar that make you feel good, and therefore, relaxed. As coffee is absorbed into your system, however, you’ll probably notice the “relaxing” sensations subtly change.
Caffeine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and immediately triggers a response from your brain and nervous system.
Coffee drinkers describe themselves as feeling energized, inspired, revitalized, and restored after their usual cuppa, especially if this cuppa is the first one for the day.
These good feelings are inherently relaxing because we also feel capable (of achieving something) confident (of completing something) and inspired (to begin something).
Coffee is relaxing because it soothes anxiety and provides encouragement.
These experiences will be intensified if our usual coffees are very strong, very large, or include sugar and/or sweetened syrups.
After drinking coffee, how long will I feel relaxed for?
Sensations of relaxation after a coffee depend on how much coffee you usually drink and how many coffees you consume each day. You may feel relaxed for half an hour, or you may remain relaxed for the rest of the day.
This is because our response to caffeine is highly individual. Some coffee drinkers relax with a coffee and remain calm and focused for hours. Others need repeated doses spread across the day.
Still other coffee lovers respond well, are relaxed at first, but unravel if too much caffeine laden coffee is consumed. Their experience of being relaxed transforms into not being able to relax at all.
The cause of this is also caffeine.
What happens if I have too much caffeine?
Although our response to caffeine is personal, there are a few symptoms we should be aware of because too many of them signal that our system is under stress.
Caffeine, although deemed a safe drug, should only be consumed in moderate quantities each day. The recommended daily amount is 400mg per day for healthy adults, less for children and pregnant women.
Too much caffeine can produce the following symptoms:
- Hand tremors
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Skin irritation
- Fatigue
- Inability to sleep
What are the long term effects of caffeine?
Unfortunately, that first very relaxing cup of coffee can compel some of us to seek the effects too often and too intensely.
When we do this, we are on the way to a caffeine addiction, which left unchecked can play havoc with our health. Long term effects include an inability to get through the day without a caffeinated drink, not being able to sleep, heart palpitations, ongoing headaches, and impaired brain function.
So, when your coffee is giving you the jitters instead of the soothing them, it’s time to check your daily intake.
It’s important to note that your cup of coffee may not be the only caffeine culprit in your daily diet. There are a range of caffeinated beverages (and foods) which contain varying levels of caffeine, some much higher than the average cup of coffee.
How do I work out the best amount of coffee for me?
First of all, become familiar with your own response to caffeine, whether in coffee or any other kind of drink. Then take note of how much caffeine it takes to provoke it.
If you’re a one shot espresso kind of person, then be aware that if you try a doppio (or double espresso) then your reaction will be intensified, as will your body’s task to deal with it.
Your feeling of being relaxed will transform into feelings of being energized, motivated, and empowered. These will eventually be followed by sensations of fatigue.
Know also, that your body can only metabolize so much caffeine each day. Drink a long black or a double iced coffee at night, and your system will not be able to deal with the caffeine in time for you to get a relaxing night’s sleep.
Which other kinds of drinks are relaxing?
There are a number of drinks known for their relaxing and soothing properties but which don’t contain the boost provided by caffeine.
These include the caffeine free range of herbal teas, known for centuries for their calming influence. The following teas contain no caffeine, are refreshing, and contain high levels of antioxidants:
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Hibiscus
- Lemon balm
- Echinacea
- Buckwheat
- Rooibos
- Black soybean
Which other drinks contain the same amount (or more) caffeine than coffee?
Other caffeinated drinks include tea drinks, chocolate and cola drinks, sports and energy drinks and certain milk drinks. The amount of caffeine depends on the ingredients and size of each drink.
- Chocolate flavoured milk drinks
- Mocha drinks
- Green tea
- Black tea
- Chai tea
- Coffee liqueurs
- Energy shots (very high in caffeine)
Consuming any of these before your daily coffee means that your one coffee may not have the relaxing effect you hoped for anyway.
What’s the best way to enjoy a relaxing coffee?
The best way to avoid the coffee jitters, is to choose the least intensive coffee bean, grind the beans coarsely, use less grounds in each coffee and keep the base as just one shot.
Enjoy your coffee with good food and keep your water bottle handy so you can rehydrate immediately (coffee is a known diuretic).
Stick to one to two coffees per day and don’t be tempted to make them stronger. Matching your energy level to your work schedule and work demands is a more effective long term solution to fatigue and burnout.
Choose a style of coffee and enjoy the experience as much as the buzz. You won’t regret it.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.