Wake up. Go to class. Pay attention. Exercise. Socialize. Study. Sleep. These are only a few gears in the intricate clock that is student life.
How do we cope? By being responsible students, of course! We eat clean, stay active, and get plenty of sleep to prepare ourselves for a hard day’s work.
Just kidding; We drink caffeine.
According to an article by The Huffington Post, more than 78 percent of freshmen drink over the recommended amount of caffeine every day.
The consensus for the healthy amount of daily caffeine consumption seems to be four hundred milligrams.
four hundred milligrams is roughly equivalent to four cups of coffee. A serving of Red Bull has 83 milligrams of caffeine, and a serving of regular 5-hour energy has 215 milligrams.
It can be really easy to quickly get a lot of caffeine in your system, and for the majority of college students, it has nearly become a necessity.
The benefits of drinking caffeine in moderation arguably outweigh the negatives, however.
Not only does caffeine take many delicious forms (I love coffee), but it has benefits that reach beyond keeping you mentally sharp and awake.
Drinking caffeine during key hours in the day (especially after meals), can help digestion and even boost metabolism. Caffeine consumption only becomes dangerous when moderation goes without moderation.
Excessive consumption of any substance is inherently unhealthy, however caffeine can be especially dangerous. Many students seem to think that because they have work to do, they are excluded from the four hundred milligram rule.
Thankfully, doses of caffeine aren’t the only sources of energy.
Aside from coffee and energy drinks, students can find stamina and metabolism boosts other ways.
By eating healthy fats such as avocados, and drinking low sugar drinks like water and teas, busy students can eliminate unnecessary sugars that slow the body down.
Caffeine can be both a blessing and a curse for your everyday busy student. In moderation, it can be a savior.
Worrying about the shakes and caffeine induced heart health doesn’t have to be a problem however.
Just make sure to think twice before hitting up Einstein’s for the third time today.
Thomas is a staff writer here at the Crimson. He writes his weekly column, Tommy’s Music Corner, where he dives into the local underground music scene.
