In defence of your caffeine habit
in defence of your caffeine habit
If your daily routine starts with a fancy coffee, you are not alone. Tasty, convenient and oh-so-expensive, it's an indulgence that often needs defending.
A study published by S&D Coffee & Tea found millennials started drinking coffee between the ages of 15 and 17, while their Gen X parents typically picked up the habit a little later at 19. Those two to four extra years make a huge difference to the volume of coffee drunk over a lifetime and as prices increase, it’s hardly surprising totalling up your spend would mean a jaw-dropping number.
Interestingly, while coffee is getting more expensive and disposable incomes shrink in many places, Starbucks sales have outpaced lower-priced competitors, particularly in the United States. If anything, this proves fans of ‘gourmet’ coffees aren’t planning on swapping for what they consider an inferior brand, even if they’d save on their daily dose. A PayPal poll found 18 percent of millennials are willing to pay more than $3 per cup—practically the minimum for a filter coffee in many coffee shops. It’s funny because economic experts predicted the widespread recession would see the downfall of expensive coffee chains—we naturally cut back on needless purchases when money is tight and jobs are scarce.
Coffee might be the product but Starbucks, Costa, and all the other indulgent offerings are actually selling the feel-good factor. Spending $3 on a coffee feels like a little present to yourself and it’s not out of the realms of possibility for anyone really; and although it’s definitely a symbol of status and wealth (especially if you walk into your office cup in hand every day), because it’s so ubiquitous it avoids the trappings of pretension or intimidation. It’s a coffee, just a coffee.
Admittedly, consumption of an overloaded Frappuccino, crammed with fat, sugar and calories should really be left to special occasions, despite the daily temptation—trying to be even a little healthier will do wonders. If you’re watching your calorie intake but don’t want to compromise too much on the icy caffeine-y goodness, stick to the smaller sizes and opt for skimmed milk. Otherwise, choose filter coffee, espresso, cold brews or cappuccinos—an iced coffee with almond milk will hit the spot.
After all, caffeine in moderate doses can be hugely beneficial: its energy boosting effects are well known and it’s the stimulant we’re chasing with our morning ritual. Yes, there are health concerns from consuming too much caffeine—found in chocolate, fizzy drinks, sports supplements and more, it’s easier than ever to consume more than the daily recommended amount of 400mg of caffeine. While this translates to around four cups of black coffee, a Starbucks grande at 16 oz. contains 330mg of caffeine…
If you’re mindful of your caffeine intake throughout the day, your morning dose can be guilt-free. You’re getting a healthy shot of antioxidants, helping to reduce your risk of certain diseases including dementia and diabetes, and boosting your brain and your mood. Your expensive coffee is a mix of social ritual, self-reward and a welcome start to a non-stop day. It’s a ritual maintained no matter what’s going on in the rest of your life. It’s self-care; a harmless indulgence—especially if you're using a reusable cup!
Go forth and caffeinate!
Impostor syndrome is ‘the psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalised fear that they are going to be exposed as a fraud.’