Many people start the day with a cup of coffee to wake up their body and feel ready for the tasks ahead.
However, combining morning coffee with a few minutes of focused reading can make the morning routine even more effective for the brain, according to Real Simple.
While caffeine provides a chemical boost to alertness, reading gives that attention a productive direction. Without a specific task, the energy from coffee can quickly lead to unstructured screen time and digital distractions.
Chemical alertness
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, the chemical that causes the body to feel tired.
Also read: TikTok's fibermaxxing trend actually lines up with what dietitians want you doing
According to Real Simple, nutrition experts point out that caffeine increases alertness and reaction time for several hours after consumption.
Reading, on the other hand, requires active thinking where the brain must retain concepts, make connections, and evaluate content.
When active reading is paired with caffeine, it trains the ability to maintain focus over extended periods. Fiction and leisure reading can also reduce mental stress and enhance cognitive abilities.
Building the habit
It is not necessary to set aside hours for reading to achieve a positive effect on the brain.
Also read: Your bike ride to work reduces the risk of blood clots
Even a few minutes spent reading a book or a longer article can set a calmer and more purposeful tone for the day.
A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology recommends waiting about an hour for coffee after waking up, as the body's levels of the stress hormone cortisol peak during this time window.
By slightly delaying both coffee and reading, you make the best possible use of your body's natural alertness. It is also recommended to choose literature or content with substance rather than short snippets on social media.
Also read: How eating an apple every day can affect your heart, gut and blood sugar
Also read: 7 early warning signs of macular degeneration you should not miss
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.