We drink coffee to boost energy and brain function and to enjoy coffee break rituals, which we associate with relaxation, stimulation, and refreshment. Our coffee breaks can also be social events and typically hold a significant place in our daily schedules.
This article takes a look at coffee and why we drink it, when we enjoy it, and how we take it, and examines the world wide culture of “coffee” and its significance to society.
What does coffee do exactly?
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. Unless we take our coffee decaffeinated (and even then it will still contain traces of caffeine), our regular cuppa serves to jolt us awake, revitalize us, or give us the stamina to keep going.
What we want from our coffee depends on when we drink it. The morning coffee, for example, is a reliable and pleasant “wake up” call.
The middle of the day coffee drink reenergizes our morning inspiration that started well but has become depleted.
The late night brew helps us make deadlines, complete tasks, and carry out responsibilities for which we need an extra boost to cross the finish line.
How does coffee stimulate us?
The caffeine in coffee is a naturally occurring stimulant found in tea, coffee, and cocoa plants. It is also possible to make synthetic caffeine
Caffeine arouses the brain and nervous system by increasing the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline.
This makes our heart beat faster, and our temperature rise. We experience an increased blood flow and energy flow as sugar is dumped into the blood stream
Pretty soon after the first couple of mouthfuls, we feel invigorated and focused and this leads to feelings of inspiration and ambition. Caffeine also stimulates the release of dopamine.
This makes us feel good.
Why do we have coffee routines and “coffee rituals”?
The reliability of caffeine to do its job has led coffee lovers to build on and savour the coffee experience.
They do this through exploring the range of tastes and styles of coffee and to structure coffee breaks at opportune times throughout the day.
The staggering variety of coffees that can be made from the four main types of coffee bean means that coffee lovers can spend years exploring coffee experiences and building their own signature drinks.
This means our personal coffee routines become highly charged with value and meaning, especially as they typically involve heightened energy, motivation, and emotions.
In order to protect (and repeat) these encounters, we develop routines and rituals.
What is the difference between a ritual and a routine?
A routine is something (a task, chore, or break) that we set into our daily schedule and stick to, and a ritual is a solemn series of actions performed in a set order and which are needed to accomplish something (a task, chore, break, or an act).
The difference between ritual and routine is in intensity, significance, and purpose. Exercise, household chores, shopping, study, and coffee breaks are all typical routine items.
Setting up an area to study, work out, meditate, or drink coffee in a particular and highly personal way can become ritualistic.
Choosing certain cups and spoons, grinding beans a particular way, making a coffee following prescribed steps and only with specific ingredients are all small and significant rituals.
We do this in order to prolong and develop experiences, and this applies especially to coffee culture because of the complex and dynamic encounters we have when drinking coffee.
What is the difference between a coffee drinker and a coffee connoisseur?
Coffee drinkers enjoy coffee and look for it everywhere but they are relaxed and adaptable in attitude. Coffee connoisseurs are precise and distinct in choice and stye and are knowledgeable and particular in attitude.
Coffee drinkers:
- Love coffee
- Drink a range of coffees
- Love coffee products
- Will drink instant coffee
- Can make their coffee fast and easily
Coffee connoisseurs:
- Are passionate about coffee
- Drink a limited range of coffees made correctly
- Love coffee beans
- Will not touch instant coffee
- Make coffees slowly and with great care
Is it possible to drink too much coffee?
Unfortunately, it is possible to consume too much coffee each day, although it’s the caffeine in the coffee that can play havoc with our health.
Caffeine has been declared a safe drug, but it does have toxic levels. 400mg per day is the recommended limit for adults, less for children and women who are pregnant.
There is caffeine present in a range of food and drinks times, and it’s important to remember that your coffee is not the only source of it.
Signs that you may be consuming too much caffeine each day include:
- Dehydration
- Trembling hands
- Constant fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Dry mouth and skin
- An increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety, irritation, and/or increased stress levels
- Headaches
- Inability to stop drinking caffeinated drinks
What is coffee culture?
The set of traditions, routines, rituals and values that surround the consumption of coffee is known is “coffee culture”.
Coffee culture is inherently social: coffee is central to catching up with friends, meeting colleagues, gathering with family, and we take it everywhere we go.
Coffee styles, from the simple latte to an iced brown sugar oat shaken espresso, continue to develop as baristas and other coffee experts tinker with basic brews.
Coffee is also a mobile drink now that coffee cups and coffee making apparatus have been refined to suit people on the move. We take coffee to work, to meetings, on outings, on walks, to the cinema, on picnics, and on camping trips.
And we’re not talking instant coffee here. The new manual (and mobile) coffee making devices can procedure artisan coffee every bit as good as a coffee house.
How popular is coffee?
Coffee is apparently the second most consumed drink in the world, and adults consume over 2 billion cups per day.
The most consumed drink in the world is still plain water! But coffee (in all its varying types and forms and serving styles) will probably always hold second place.
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.
