- Green Lifestyle
Coffee is an anchor.
It’s the weekend. It’s morning. It’s horrible: I’m out of coffee. Like a balloon that’s been let go, I dart around the apartment looking for my elixir of life. “There was some somewhere… I had some… There should still be espresso in the cabinet… Who…?! F**k!”
Babette Lichtenford
Morning coffee – so much more than just a drink.
Normally (!) I brew myself a very large cappuccino while still in my pajamas and with very sleepy eyes. (My favorite: Peru espresso. Its chocolatey, spicy aromas are magnificent.) Grinding the beans, the humming and hissing of the portafilter, the aroma, the crema – that alone is a little moment of greatness for me. And then the first sip… Nothing can go wrong after that.
The morning coffee ritual is (not only for me) a precious, almost meditative moment of calm, of being completely at ease, before the usual madness begins. In principle, it’s an insignificant habit, but it gives us a sense of security, especially in turbulent times, because it signals: Something remains, something is constant, I have control over it. And when that’s combined with such a multisensory pleasure as my Peru espresso or cappuccino, my panic (see above) is hardly surprising.
The cup of happiness.
Did you know that coffee is a natural mood booster? Various studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing depression than non-coffee drinkers. The reason for this is believed to be the effects of caffeine on the brain. Caffeine can stimulate the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in regulating the mood.*
- Dopamine: The so-called “happiness hormone” provides motivation and drive.
- Serotonin: Responsible for emotional stability and inner balance.
- Noradrenaline: Increases concentration and cognitive performance.
- By blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine, which signals fatigue, caffeine also provides greater alertness and energy.
So, my cup of Mount Hagen is a pick-me-up in every respect.
Why do we need rituals?
Routines, habits, and rituals are like autopilots for the brain and save it a lot of effort. It is estimated that approximately 30-50% of the things we do every day are relatively passive, repetitive actions. They function like an energy-saving mode that prevents the system from becoming overloaded.** So much for the biological aspect. Let us talk about emotions.
Rituals give us a sense of control, structure, and orientation – especially when the outside world is as turbulent and uncertain as it is right now. The morning coffee ritual acts as an anchor, providing stability and reducing stress. You simply know that your favorite coffee will be there tomorrow and will be just as delicious as it was the day before (unless, like me, you forgot to buy it).
But drinking coffee and coffee breaks have another component altogether.
Coffee connects.
“Shall we meet for coffee?” – “Let’s discuss it over coffee.”
Drinking coffee is not only a personal ritual, it is also a social one. Having a coffee with someone motivates and connects people – whether at the office, at home, or with friends and family. Consciously sharing such a moment not only puts you in a good mood, it also strengthens your sense of belonging and mental health. Especially when you know that your favorite coffee (aka my Peru coffee from Mount Hagen) comes from Demeter cultivation and is pretty much the best thing for the environment, people, and nature.
A few tips for your feel-good coffee ritual.
- Enjoy your favorite coffee consciously: Take your time instead of gulping down your coffee on the go. Pay attention to its aroma, mouthfeel, and subtle acidity.
- Make it a ritual: Drink your coffee at the same time and in the same place every morning if possible. This enhances the stabilizing effect.
- Be mindful: don’t let yourself be distracted – this is YOUR moment.
- Shared coffee is double the fun: Meet up with friends or colleagues regularly for coffee – virtually if necessary.
Conclusion:
Those who maintain their coffee ritual and celebrate their favorite coffee easily create a valuable resource for greater confidence and motivation – an anchor, no matter how stormy the waters may be.
If you would like to learn more about the various components of coffee and its health effects, etc., here is a short list of links from our blog on this topic.
