Written by: Jane Sandwood
A 2009 study on college students showed that coffee was the most commonly consumed caffeine product (88.2%), and these figures are echoed among tertiary students in many other countries, including the U.S. and the UK. Coffee’s stimulatory effects make it an ideal pick-me-up in the morning and midday (when energy starts to wane) , but its benefits for students go beyond the obvious. If you are interested in knowing how coffee can help make you a better student, serve yourself a cup of piping Java and read on.
Coffee and Analytical Performance
If you are currently studying to be a Sports Manager, then you know that business acumen is as important a part of your course, as is a keen interest in sports and fitness. A 2018 study undertaken at the Stevens Institute of Technology found that the aroma of coffee alone helped business school students perform better on an analytical part of a test that is given at most business schools. The researchers were surprised to note that the aroma of coffee not only improved test results, but also boosted students’ expectations that they would perform well.
Coffee Boosts Athletic Endurance
If you are studying for qualifications in Fitness or Coaching, then you know that to inspire your players or team, you will need to keep up with their pace. In other words, you will need to have excellent fitness and endurance levels yourself. A University of Georgia review study found that a morning cup of coffee could help improve staying power. The review, carried out by a doctoral student in kinesiology, found that three to seven milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight boosted sporting endurance by 24%. To work out the quantity of coffee beans or ground coffee required to obtain these benefits, bear in mind that one cup of coffee usually contains between 75 and 150mg of caffeine.
Coffee and Teamwork
In college, many students are required to work on group projects with others. If this is the case for you, pull out your siphon brewer and let the caffeine flow. A 2018 Ohio State University found that people are more alert to what others in a group have to say after they have enjoyed a cup of coffee. The study, carried out on a group of students, showed that those who drank coffee before discussing a topic rated themselves and their fellow students more positively than those who drank coffee after discussing the topic. Because caffeine makes you more focused, it fosters a positive attitude as a whole, said the researchers.
Coffee and Your Studies
Researchers at Harvard Medical School note that if you want to stay awake when studying, it is best to enjoy small, frequent doses of caffeine rather than just one big cup in the morning or in the afternoon. They recommend dividing your usual dose into four, to keep you alert throughout the day. This will also help you stay focused if you have missed out on crucial hours of sleep.
This should give you some food for thought on coffee! However, make sure that coffee doesn’t work against you. Don’t consume it in the late afternoon or night, since it could interfere with your sleep quality. Give it a miss as well if you have anxiety or insomnia, and if you are on medication or you have Type 2 diabetes, seek approval from your doctor first.
