Caffeine
So I don't really drink caffeine.
Not out of any particular health ideals, but just because most things with caffeine in them are bitter (coffee, tea) or just mega gross (those energy drinks are awful).
While I'm often sleepy, especially in the afternoon I haven't had any real issues with feeling awake or alert, so I've content just not having any coffee.
However, over the last year I've had a few brushes with caffeine that have made me reconsider whether I'm in the right.
One day a friend offered to shout me a drink from a coffee cart. I opted for a dirty iced chai which, I thought, was like chai and chocolate. But it had an espresso shot in it and, to my surprise, I really liked the refreshing spicy slightly bitter flavour. That night I had issues getting to sleep.
But, I really liked the drink, so on a quiet day a few weeks later I pottered over to a cafe known for its chai and had one with a shot of espresso. that night, about 8.30PM, usually I'd be winding down and watching TV, but instead I was flying, making posters and setting up my first workshop. I remember thinking 'what the hell is going on?', I was just in the thick of it.
Earlier this month I had to drive 7 hours in a day and just couldn't get going. I had an early morning start and every 30 minutes I was pulling over to have a nap. At that rate, I figured, I'd get nowhere. So I bought one of the sugary as hell iced coffee drinks from the servo and just FLEW up the highway.
And then yesterday I had a dirty chai and when I got home I was in the zone with art work, planning and aligning all these different things I have going on. It felt like piece after piece was clicking in.
Now that is perhaps not really because of the stimulation. I've had about a month of navel gazing and thinking 'where to next?' and perhaps the momentum I felt yesterday was more the product of a good mood, empty time and a months' worth of thinking. It's hard to say, but 2/4 times I've felt significantly more creative and productive.
So, maybe it's time I get a little bit more into coffee. I can't see myself regularly drinking it (I don't need such a big boost every day, and I really don't like the flavour). But maybe a little extra creative flair here and there is a good idea?