There is always a lot of discussion about the impact of coffee on your ability to work and concentrate effectively. Everyone knows that one person who can’t function properly before their morning coffee fix, and you might occasionally find yourself struggling to focus without a caffeine pick-me-up. But can coffee really increase your productivity? Or is it just a placebo?

Coffee and Your Brain

The short answer is yes. Coffee really can increase your productivity. Well, it’s more accurate to say that caffeine can increase your productivity. The caffeine in coffee has a direct impact on the brain that stimulates a range of responses, some of which are really positive for work. Caffeine helps to increase your level of alertness, essentially blowing out the cobwebs and helping you focus more on your work. Caffeine can also improve mood and brain function, meaning you can feel more positive about work and find it easier to complete tasks.

Coffee and Your Social Life

Let’s not forget that most people like to grab a coffee with friends or co-workers during their morning break. The walk to and from the local coffee shop can get your blood flowing, and boost your attitude, while the caffeine fix will improve your focus on the task at hand. If your nearest café is too far away for a short break, you might want to think about an in-office coffee machine. Companies like Di Bella Coffee have great options that work well in office kitchens, meaning you can still enjoy a coffee break with your co-workers.

Coffee and More Coffee

In spite of all the benefits caffeine can have on your work, it’s important to remember that you can always have too much of a good thing. Caffeine impacts the levels of testosterone in the body, so consuming too much coffee can make you more irritable. You might also find that you get jittery after consuming too much caffeine, making it harder to concentrate. If in doubt, stick to one coffee a day, and give yourself a few caffeine-free days when you can.

If you’re trying to find a way to increase productivity in your workplace, coffee in moderation might just be the answer. Have you found that coffee helps you perform better at work? Share your experiences in the comments below.