It’s a Monday, so I probably don’t have to ask how you’re feeling. But I WILL ask this: Have you had a cup of coffee yet? Or five?
There’s a new study out of Europe that shows coffee can improve your mood. (That required a study? I could’ve told them that, but not before I’ve had my coffee.)
In the study, “regular caffeine consumers” immediately reported feeling “happier and more enthusiastic” after a cup of coffee or some other caffeine. And that joy typically lingers for around two-and-a-half hours.
This boost was more obvious in the morning than later in the day, and they also observed upticks in feelings of “overall contentment and reduced sadness.”
There is one big caveat though: The only people in the study were “habitual caffeine users.” So it’s possible that the positive feelings were just a rush from “getting your fix.” Or a “reversal of withdrawal symptoms.”
They didn’t break down how much you should drink.
Previous studies have shown that about one cup of coffee every four hours can give you a boost. But you shouldn’t overdo it, four cups per day should be the max. That is the equivalent of about 300 milligrams of caffeine.
(Nature.com / University of Warwick)
