Why You’re Probably Drinking Coffee at the Wrong Time (And How to Fix It)

The science of timing your caffeine boost, and how a simple change can supercharge your day.

Like most people, I love coffee. It’s easily my second favorite beverage (craft beer holds the top spot, obviously). Coffee is more than just a morning pick me up, it’s a ritual, a moment of calm before diving into the hustle of the day. But after reading this article on Inc.com, I realized most coffee drinkers are doing it all wrong.

I thought I had my coffee routine down. I don’t drink it immediately after waking up. Instead, I usually get my morning going with a walk, freshen up, and settle into my workspace before pouring my first cup. It’s about two hours into my day before that magical first sip happens. Turns out, that’s actually the right approach. And the science behind it is fascinating.

Let’s break it down.

The Science of When to Drink Your Coffee

According to neuroscientists, the best time to drink coffee is tied to your body’s natural rhythm, specifically your cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone that helps regulate alertness, and it’s naturally highest in the morning right after you wake up. Drinking coffee when your cortisol is peaking doesn’t give you that extra boost you think it does. Instead, it can increase your tolerance to caffeine and make it less effective over time.

So, when should you drink coffee? The ideal window is mid to late morning, after your cortisol levels start to dip. For most people, that’s about 60 to 90 minutes after waking up.

How I Accidentally Got It Right

Funny enough, my current routine already lines up with this advice. I never rush to the coffee maker as soon as I roll out of bed. Mornings for me are all about easing into the day, getting some fresh air, shaking off that sleepy haze, and then getting my head in the right space to create. Only then do I pour that first cup. It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s about the experience.

Now that I know the science behind it, I’m leaning into this routine even more. It feels good to know that my natural rhythm syncs with what the experts recommend.

Lessons for Creatives and Entrepreneurs

Here’s the bigger takeaway: Timing matters, not just for coffee but for everything. Whether you’re launching a project, posting on social media, or pitching an idea, there’s always a right moment that can make all the difference. Pay attention to your own rhythms, both physical and creative. You might discover that adjusting when you do something is just as important as how you do it.

This little coffee revelation is just another reminder that life is full of small tweaks and discoveries that can make a big impact. EVERY day is a celebration whether it’s a perfectly timed cup of coffee or a breakthrough moment in your work. It’s about embracing those moments, learning from them, and finding joy in the process.

Now I’m curious. What’s your coffee ritual? Do you have a specific time of day when you indulge? Have you noticed a difference when you tweak the timing? Hit the comments and let me know!

Astro Joe Garcia

Wake Up - Arcade Fire

“Wake Up” by Arcade Fire is the perfect anthem for this post. The song starts slow and reflective, building gradually into an explosive, triumphant crescendo—a lot like easing into your day before hitting that perfect moment for your first cup of coffee. It’s all about pacing and timing. Rushing right into caffeine (or life, for that matter) misses the opportunity to let things develop naturally. Just like in the song, the magic happens when you lean into the rhythm, giving yourself time to wake up fully and savor the experience when the timing is right.