What a morning coffee does for your mind

Sixty-one per cent of Kiwis said they needed to take time out to gather their thoughts when they woke up. Photo / iStock

If you're looking for another excuse to keep sipping on your morning coffee habit, you could find it in the results of a new survey.

According to findings for Nespresso's Morning Index, the psychological impact of taking time to grab a coffee is a positive one that contributes to better productivity.

More than half of 1000 Kiwis surveyed said having a moment of reflection over a cup of coffee was an important part of their morning routine and helped them to focus on the day ahead.

According to psychologist and author of Mindfulness on the Run, Dr Chantal Hofstee, the findings "made sense from a psychological perspective".

Dr Hofstee said taking time out in the morning to have a coffee could increase workers' productivity.

"Just two minutes of enjoying your morning coffee is an excellent way to give yourself a mini-break from the morning rush.

"You can increase the benefits by making your morning coffee a mindful one."

Having "me time" is thought to be an important aspect of the practice of mindfulness. Sixty-one per cent of Kiwis said they needed to take time out to gather their thoughts when they woke up.

As well as coffee drinking, respondents said they engaged in mindful thinking while showering and commuting to work.

Although the majority woke before 7am, the time when Kiwis were most productive was identified as 9.10am.

Only a third of respondents said they felt calm upon waking up, whereas 50 per cent did not feel ready to start their work day until after they had a cuppa.

One in five coffee drinkers surveyed warned workmates not to approach them before they had consumed their first coffee.

Guillaume Chesneau, Nespresso New Zealand country manager, said having a morning coffee is a crucial part of the morning routine for the brand's Kiwi customers.

"Three quarters of our club members say their morning coffee is a ritual they savour no matter whether they start the day raring to go or in a more contemplative frame of mind."

Defining mindfulness

• A practice promoted by psychologists to improve participants' physical and psychological wellbeing, mindfulness is gaining popularity globally.
• Being "mindful" involves consciously acknowledging your emotions and state of mind and focusing on living in the present moment.
• Popular techniques used to promote mindfulness include taking time to enjoy a cup of coffee, meditation and colouring-in.