This past weekend, I met up with a couple of friends at Scented Tea Leaf House, a Tucson tea shop, to work on our writing hobbies (I also write about it here). My friends worked on their own novels while I journaled and worked on a blog post. We were there for almost 3 hours and got some good work done.
I came back later in the afternoon because I still had work I needed to get done…and because of their drink refill policy. If you want to see the tea shop review, skip to the bottom.
My friends and I really enjoy going to tea or coffee shops to get work done because we feel more productive or creative when we’re there. Apparently, there’s something to describe this feeling (I say apparently because I didn’t know there was a term and I’ve been doing this whole coffee shop work thing for the last 12 years).
It’s called the coffee shop effect.
The coffee shop effect
The coffee shop effect is the idea that being at a coffee shop can make you more productive or creative.
*cough cough* I can certainly say that this is true. I wish to spread this knowledge amongst the people. It is a good effect. *cough cough*
Note that when I say coffee shops, I also include tea shops as well…I just go to coffee shops more often so differentiating between coffee and tea shop will be a bit excessive.
I believe it’s a reason why there are a lot of coffee shops on or close to university campus’ – students will come to the coffee shops to study. Just for example – there’s over 24 coffee shops on my alma mater’s campus. That’s insane!
If you’re looking to be productive or get more work done, head to a coffee shop! Here are some reasons why coffee shops can make you more productive or creative.
You have good coffee or tea to sip on
A good coffee or tea is the secret ingredient to being productive at coffee shops.
Coffee and most teas contain caffeine, which helps you stay awake and focus. My go to drinks at coffee shops are either Caramel Lattes or Matcha Tea Lattes. Iced for the summer and hot for the winters.
If you don’t want caffeinated drinks, most coffee shops offer decaf options. I’ve gotten decaf tea before. Having something to sip on can help you stay awake and focus too!
You’re working or studying with others
Seeing others working or studying can motivate you to do the same, especially if you do it with friends. You’re not the only one who has to work and study. Everybody’s there to get stuff done, and you’re all on a team to reach your goals. You can encourage each other to get what you need done.
When you study with your friends, you also socialize with them. This can be a big pro and a big con. It’s a big pro because taking breaks can be good for your productivity. Everybody will take breaks and chat about what were studying. The only thing is to make sure you don’t socialize for too long.
I’ve studied by myself and with friends at coffee shops, and I definitely find myself more motivated to study longer when I’m with friends.
Even if you are by yourself, being surrounded by others who are working or studying promotes productivity.
It’s a dynamic environment
Most coffee shops are chaotic – there’s music playing, coffee machines operating, and people talking in the background. That dynamic environment stimulates you to keep working. I mean…there’s 1 hour videos (that I’ve used as well) on YouTube of people just studying with ambient noise in the background.
There’s also a visual stimulus in coffee shops that can promote your creativity. It certainly has given me some creative ideas for my blog and journal.
