Pros and Cons of Caffeine in the Workplace *
by Danielle Di Gregorio

Do you need a caffeine buzz to start your day? You’re not alone. Most Americans cannot start or last a day at work without their morning coffee or a stop at Starbucks on their lunch break.

In the US, over 450,000,000 cups of coffee are consumed every day. With a Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts on almost every corner, these findings are not surprising.

The Pros

Caffeine alerts the body and makes you aware for the day ahead of you. It can improve your mood, quicken the pace that you complete projects and even make you more social around your co-workers.

The Cons

However, caffeine can have negative effects on your body and your pocket. Research has shown that caffeine has more negative effects on males in the workplace than women.

Caffeine actually increased their stress levels when working alone on projects and others found that it decreased their performance while working in groups.

Stressed Out?

If you are normally stressed at work, which let’s face it most of us are, consuming caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soda or tea can actually be making your stress worse. Jitteriness, upset stomach, increase in pulse, and insomnia are all side effects of caffeine. These are also the same side effects as stress, so switching to water or a caffeine-free beverage at the workplace maybe a better choice to keep anxiety at a minimum.

Caffeine can be addicting and coffee drinking can become an expensive habit, especially if you are consuming more than one cup a day. The average person spends over $160.00 a year on coffee, kicking this habit can cause headaches and irritability, but in the long run you will have more money in your pocket and less feelings of anxiety.

To cut back on your caffeine intake, trying a few new methods in your daily lifestyle can make these changes easier. A few suggestions:

• Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
• Drink lots of water
• Eat healthier by incorporating more fruit and veggies in your diet.

The more awake you feel, the less you’ll feel an urge to grab a cup of Coffee throughout the day.

* The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not represent a direct or indirect endorsement by EOgroup.net, inc.

EOgroup.net, inc. does not offer medical advice. Readers should seek medical advice from a licensed physician or other qualified health care professional and not rely on information they may gather from secondary sources such as the internet.