Whether you drink coffee or not, we're all aware of the great power of caffeine, and most of us rely on it daily. If you're a hardcore coffee drinker like me, there have probably been times coffee has nearly saved your life, and you wouldn't know what to do without your favorite cup of Joe. We've all heard the negative side-effects of too much coffee, but honestly, they never scare us enough to make us want to quit. Maybe we're addicted, maybe we're not. Either way, every coffee drinker goes through times in their life where coffee feels more than just a simple drink. Here, I've compiled a list of times that coffee really can be like a best friend.
1. Every Morning
I am not a morning person. Anyone who knows me knows this. I'm like a really angry zombie for a solid hour after I get up, and no one ever wants to hang out with that. But coffee is still there. The first thing I do when I roll myself out of bed in the morning (after hitting the snooze button for at least an hour, mind you) is shuffle into the kitchen and turn on the coffee maker. The smell of brewing coffee alone is enough to brighten my mood and make me semi-functional. Whether I sit down and take time to enjoy or carry it on the go, there's something about holding a warm cup of dark roast that makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.
2. In Your Afternoon Slump
The middle of the day is almost always a drag, and sometimes "nap time" just doesn't work out. You've had work or class all day, but the day isn't even close to being over, and you need something to help you wake up. When there's too much to do, but you feel like you could fall asleep standing up, a shot of espresso can make a big difference. With that extra jolt of energy, you can continue your day productively and happily.
3. During Your Late-Night Homework Session
Everyone's been there. You procrastinate for too long, or just get a million assignments all at once, and your only choice is to take a deep breath and power through into the early hours of the morning to get all of your work done. In those lonely hours, when the world is dark and your motivation is growing smaller by the second, coffee is there to save you (and your grades). A hot cup of caffeine at two in the morning can give you that extra push you need to make it through.
4. During Finals Week
What's worse than pulling all-nighters doing homework? Pulling all-nighters doing homework during finals week. During this week of insanity, reality is skewed and sleep becomes optional (and is often forgotten about). So much to do, so little time, so many mental breakdowns, but still you study on. While you're staring at your notes contemplating your purpose in life and whether or not you really need a degree, you're probably drinking coffee. The amount you're consuming is most likely not healthy, but it's worth it if it helps you get that A (or B, or C, or whatever you're going for).
5. When You Need Somewhere To Go
Call me a basic college kid, but I believe coffee shops are some of the greatest things in existence. Need a place to study? Coffee shop. Want to meet up with a friend? Go to a coffee shop. Have some free time and don't want to stay home? Sounds like a great time to go to a coffee shop. The atmosphere is always relaxed and inviting, and can be enjoyed even if you aren't a coffee lover. Obviously, these places wouldn't exist without coffee itself, giving us yet another reason to appreciate it.
For casual fans and addicts alike, a cup of your favorite brew can make a day ten times better and can get you through some of the toughest times. And in case you were wondering, yes, this article was written while drinking coffee.
