I’m sure by now you’ve noticed students working from quaint café corners, earphones plugged in, and typing away on their laptops. If you’ve ever wondered why young professionals turn to coffee shops for studying instead of doing it at home, you may be on to something. There’s a reason why college campuses are home to various coffee shops. It turns out that a lot of research suggests the link between productivity and coffee shops runs deeper than you may think!
Here are a few reasons why you should consider studying at a coffee shop:
Background Noise:
Researchers have found that moderate levels of ambient noise, typically found at coffee shops, can enhance performance on creative tasks compared to complete silence. Minor distractions such as those present at bustling coffee shops can actually stimulate the brain to think abstractly.
*For more information about the effects of ambient noise on creative cognition check out this great article written by authors Mehta, Zhu, & Amar.
Increased Concentration:
Caffeine ramps up your brain’s energy levels meaning enhanced memory, ability to focus, problem-solving, and general cognitive function. A nutrition study on caffeine found that 200 milligrams of caffeine prompts the brain to identify words and phrases more quickly. The same study also found that coffee consumption led to improved short-term memory and an increased ability to solve reason-based problems.
* For more information about this study go online and check out Caffeine: Not Just a Stimulate, published by nutritionists in Skokie, Illinois.
A Sense of Belonging:
The final reason you’re more productive in a coffee shop setting is not based on research, but more on personal experience. Upon walking into a charming cafe, there is an inexplicable feeling that you’re somehow part of a tradition of like-minded thinkers. Being surrounded by others in a dynamic environment can make you feel better about yourself and help you work harder.
With its alluring aroma and succeeding jolt of alertness, coffee serves as the daily wake up call for many because it helps them power through their work. A coffee-fueled brain works overtime to help you learn faster and can improve information retention. It’s no surprise that coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and even the smallest cup can make a significant difference. As long as you don’t overdo it, drinking coffee and being in a coffee shop setting can significantly increase your productivity!
Of course, if you live in the Bellingham area and are searching for a great place to study or work, look no further than Trove Coffee. At Trove, we pride ourselves on providing excellent quality and service to everyone! We provide only sustainably sourced and locally roasted coffee as well as free Wi-Fi, ample outlets for plugging in devices, magazines, and newspapers. Come in to Trove Coffee and try one of our delicious handcrafted drinks today. As always, all ages are welcome!