Why you should work in a café
Of course we have a bias in favor of coffeeshops, but the science is on our side to prove that working in a cafe is pretty much the best option to combine the pleasant with the useful. It's not just the awesome smell of roasted coffee that floats in the air: creativity and focus too!
1- Stimulates creativity
You can work in the best offices, but from time to time, you can fall into a certain routine. When you are sitting in a cafe, new stimuli come from all directions, and the human brain releases dopamine, which we know as a happiness hormone. These new stimuli stands for fresh environment, new noises, creative people who work around you and less distractions than those you have at the office (shout out to the colleague who always asks too many questions).
2- Less distractions
The buzz of activity stimulates you to function better: Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that cafe-like noise (around 70 decibels) improves both creativity and productivity.
In addition, having an audience improves our performance. When you see motivated people working, you start to compete with them (subconsciously, of course) and become more productive.
It turns out that there is literally something productive about the air in public places: sound waves. A 2012 study from the University of British Columbia found that, counterintuitively, a moderate amount of background noise can actually make you more creative than the bliss of silence.
3- You have a specific goal
In general, you have a specific objective when going to a coffeeshop: to work, to advance your do to list. Having intentions therefore influences your motivation to work. The sense of purpose you have when entering a cafe inspires you to accomplish more tasks and cross them off your list. In short, the fact that you head to a cafe with the sole intention of working makes a difference and allows you to be more efficient.
4- Two words: caffeine and endorphins
Stepping out of the office for a cup of your favorite coffee may just boost the positive endorphins your brain needs to get you through your afternoon Teams meeting or the 1,000 readings you have left and that you need to finish before the end of the semester.
When it comes to caffeine, it's no secret that it's what makes coffee the best survival juice that provides you with an energy boost. That should be more than enough reason to have several coffees while working on site!