CAFFEINE – How much coffee is too much???
Do you ever wonder if you’re drinking too much coffee? There are many conflicting reports about how much is good or bad for you. I thought I would share some points from an interesting article I read by Dr Travis Bradberry -Co-author of the book Emotional Intelligence *
Personally, I love my coffee. Especially before a run or getting stuck into a big house clean! It mobilises fat into the bloodstream which gives us an instant source of energy. Or before a long drive or completing work tasks on the computer – a coffee is great! It helps us feel more alert and studies suggest that caffeine actually improves cognitive task performance (such as memory and attention span) – in the short term that is.
On the flip side, caffeine, like any stimulant is physiologically and psychologically addictive. Drinking caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline – a source of the “flight or fight “response. Whilst this is great when we are in danger and need to flee, it can be not so good when we are responding to a curt email! “When caffeine puts your brain and body into this hyper – aroused state, your emotions overrun your behaviour. The flight or fight mechanism sidesteps rational thinking in favour of a faster response”
Irritability, anxiety and disruption of sleep patterns are common negative effects of drinking too much coffee, as well as the physiological responses such as increased blood pressure, heart rate and shallow breathing.
Dr Bradberry suggests that a tip for improving your performance is to cut back on your caffeine intake. Research conducted by TalentSmart found that 90% of top performers are high in emotional intelligence. “These individuals are skilled at managing their emotions (even in times of high stress) in order to remain calm and in control”.
When reducing caffeine intake, do so gradually to reduce the withdrawal effects such as headaches, fatigue and concentration issues. So, what do I recommend to my clients with regards to caffeine intake?? Like anything, moderation is the key. I generally recommend no more that 1-2 cups of coffee per day in addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
- ( You can read more interesting articles regarding emotional intelligence at https://www.talentsmart.com/articles/ )