Everyone loves caffeine. Whether it’s a cup of coffee in the morning, or a celsius before a workout, it’s always a priority for most. But how is caffeine affecting our bodies, and how much is too much? 

A singular can of celsius contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, and a medium iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts has anywhere from 180-210mg. Many people drink coffee for different reasons: Whether it be the taste, the quick energy you get, or just out of habit. I know many may not think of it as one, but according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, caffeine is most definitely a drug. Of course, we’re not talking about anything life threatening here, but it is defined as a stimulant drug. What this does is speeds up messages between the brain and the body. “Caffeine excites the central nervous system making the person who drinks it more alert.” Caffeine has many effects that after you hear, you may change your mind about that second cup of coffee. Some side effects include, “anxiety and irritability, headache and lack of concentration, stomach pain, dehydration, and difficulty sleeping.” Sometimes, everyone needs a little pick-me-up, but is caffeine the best way to get it? 

When interviewing students as well as faculty members, we received some common results. Ms. Morris, the high school art teacher, says she has coffee every morning and roughly 3 cups throughout the day. “It is more of a comforting habit for me,” Ms Morris says. She also mentioned how if she has caffeine after about 3 o’clock, she feels she is up all night and has a very hard time falling alseep.

Comparably, a senior at IHS, Elijah Bergner, shared some similar answers. Elijah says that he has black coffee every single morning. He says he even has up to 2 cups sometimes. Different from Ms. Morris, Elijah finds that he relies on coffee and caffeine to wake him up in the morning. If he doesn’t have coffee, he finds himself in bad and irritable moods and far less alert and aware than on mornings he has his coffee. As he said, “Coffee makes me happier. When I’m alert, I’m happy, and when I’m drowsy, I’m annoyed.”

Most students at IHS walk into the school building for their first period class with a caffeinated beverage in their hand. People love caffeine, whether itś a coffee, celsius, redbull, or something else that gives them a morning boost of energy. Considering there is a Dunkin Donuts .5 miles away from the school; it is hard to resist.

You may have been questioning your caffeine intake after reading this. Don’t worry; there are plenty of healthier alternatives that can help. Tea is a great alternative for coffee drinkers. Yes, it is lower in caffeine, however, according to healthline, “it is rich in L-theanine, a powerful antioxidant that also stimulates your brain.” Tea also has many health benefits such as reducing inflammation and lowering the risk for chronic diseases and certain cancers. Another great alternative to drinking caffeine is exercise and meditation. Both are great options for a boost of energy. According to an article from One Medical, working out can counteract feelings of stress, improve your mood, and release endorphins that make you feel energized. So, be sure to think twice before reaching for the coffee in the morning.