How to Enjoy Coffee Without the Jitters: Work Edition

Whether you're a carpenter starting your day with a strong cup of coffee, or an office worker fueling your afternoon with a latte, caffeine is a staple for many of us when it comes to getting through the workday. 

It's no secret a cup of coffee can boost our energy levels, sharpen our focus, and help us power through those long to-do lists.

But for some people, caffeine can also come with a downside: the jitters. They're that anxious, shaky feeling that comes along with too many cups of coffee, making it hard to concentrate and leaving you feeling more frazzled than focused. 

The good news is there are ways you can enjoy your coffee without dealing with those annoying jitters. 

In this blog post, we'll explore how caffeine affects your body, why it causes jitters, and most importantly, how to prevent them so you can stay energized and focused throughout the day.

How caffeine improves focus

Let's start with the good news: caffeine is a proven way to improve focus and concentration. That’s because when we consume caffeine, it blocks a chemical in our body that builds up throughout the day and makes us feel drowsy. 

Research has shown that caffeine can improve the way we work, especially when it comes to tasks that need more of our attention. It can even improve our memory, helping us remember important information more effectively.

Why caffeine causes jitters

Unfortunately, while caffeine can be great for improving focus, it’s the side effects (like the jitters) that can leave us wishing there was a better solution. So, why does caffeine cause this jittery feeling?

One reason has to do with the way it affects our body's stress response. When we drink caffeine, it can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and feelings of anxiety. In some people, this then leads to jitters or shakiness — especially if they drink large amounts or are particularly sensitive to it.

Another reason for the jitters is dehydration. Coffee is a diuretic, which means it can cause us to lose liquid more frequently. If we're not careful and stay hydrated throughout the day, this can lead to symptoms like headaches.

In photo: Espresso Organic Blend: 

How to prevent caffeine jitters

Instead of giving up your one (or three) cup of coffee a day, try one of these tips next time you sense the caffeine jitters coming up.

• Drink water: Staying hydrated is key. Aim for at least eight cups of water throughout the day to help counteract the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
• Start small: If you're new to caffeine or tend to be sensitive to its effects, start with a small amount and work your way up gradually. This will give your body time to adjust and can help prevent the jitters.
• Drink with food: Caffeine on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of jitters. Try drinking your next cup with a small snack or meal to help regulate your blood sugar levels.
• Time your cup: Caffeine can stay in our system for several hours, so try to consume it earlier in the day rather than later. This can help prevent jitters and ensure a better night's sleep.

Final thoughts

While it tastes amazing and can give that final push you need to finish off the workday, caffeine can also come with unwanted side effects. Understanding how it affects your body and taking steps to prevent jitters can be the difference between enjoying and dreading your next cup of joe.

By staying hydrated, starting small, and timing when you’re drinking, you can enjoy the benefits of caffeine without the negative side effects. Try these tips out and let us know how they worked for you!