The Psychology of Coffee: Why Does Coffee Make Us Feel Good?

Scientists have various explanations for the positive feelings associated with coffee.

At its core, coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can enhance mood and boost energy levels. Caffeine works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which contribute to feelings of happiness and euphoria.

Coffee also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the sense of pleasure and reward. This explains why people often experience a surge of enjoyment with their first cup of coffee in the morning. Many substances that induce euphoria, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy, also act on the brain’s dopamine system. This effect of coffee helps explain why caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

A recent study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research by a team of scientists in Rome investigated whether coffee’s addictive properties might also involve the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is similar to the one affected by marijuana.

Ultimately, coffee makes us feel good because it engages nearly every reward system our brain has evolved. Hidden within that steaming cup is a chemical that influences the brain in ways similar to both cocaine and cannabis, reinforcing its pleasurable effects.

Three Reasons Coffee Is Not Only Good for You but Can Improve Your Work and Life

1. Increases Energy Levels

We all know that caffeine has a significant impact on energy levels, and coffee is one of the most common sources of this stimulant. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for drowsiness. By binding to adenosine receptors, it stimulates nerve cells and increases neuron firing (we’ll get to that in a minute). This, in turn, triggers the pituitary gland to release hormones that prompt the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, giving you a boost in energy and alertness.

2. Enhances Brain Function

While coffee won’t make you more intelligent, it can certainly help you stay sharp. As mentioned earlier, caffeine inhibits adenosine, allowing you to remain more alert and focused. Additionally, the adrenaline released by caffeine opens up your airways, improving oxygen flow into your bloodstream. This increased oxygen supply benefits the brain, helping you think more clearly, solve problems, and make quicker decisions.

3. Helps Reduce Depression

Depression is a serious issue, particularly as people juggle the demands of family life and work, especially in challenging times. Even before 2020 went sideways, around 4.1% of Americans experienced depression. Interestingly, coffee has been shown to help: studies suggest that coffee drinkers are 20% less likely to develop depression and 53% less likely to die by suicide.

A cup of coffee has been revealed as the secret to happiness for millions of us according to a new study by Philips, and Dr Eleanor Bryant, Professor of Psychology at the University of Bradford has explained why. Dr Bryant said coffee makes people happy through its effect on the brain’s feedback mechanisms. She states:

“Essentially, coffee influences the receptors in the brain by making them more receptive to happiness messengers.”

As for the best quality coffee? That largely depends on personal preference. Whether you prefer a particular grind, blend, or brewing method, there are plenty of resources available to help you find the perfect cup to suit your taste. Why not try one of the Christopher Montrose Coffees? We may be a little biased, but we do think they’re the best.