If you’re feeling uninspired, or you have a bad case of writer’s block, reaching for a cup of Joe might not actually be productive. While coffee may give you an energy boost and even help sharpen your problem-solving skills, researchers say it won’t do much for creative thinking.
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Researchers from the University of Arkansas examined caffeine’s effects on problem-solving and brainstorming with a study of 88 participants. Each participant was given either a 200mg caffeine pill or a placebo, then asked to answer 72 problem-solving questions and three open-ended prompts. The participants had an average age of 21, and the strength of the caffeine pill was the equivalent to about one strong cup of coffee.
The study showed that the caffeine helped participants solve problems faster and more accurately, but it had no effect on their ability to come up with new ideas. According to the researchers, that’s because problem-solving and brainstorming require the brain to work in two completely different ways: convergent thinking vs. divergent thinking.
Convergent thinking relates to problem-solving. It requires focused attention and control to come up with one correct solution. Divergent thinking relates to brainstorming. It requires thinking of a wide range of answers, through reduced cognitive control, lower attention levels and spontaneous thought. The study authors noted that perhaps caffeine can affect divergent thinking, but 200mg is simply not enough to gain the effects.
If you’re looking for an energy boost or even a mood boost, a cup of coffee may go a long way. But if you’re really wanting to get your creative juices flowing, studies have shown that taking a nap or going for a walk in nature may be more beneficial.
In addition to cognitive benefits, coffee has also been shown to benefit heart health, weight loss and chronic disease prevention. Remember: for the best results, choose organic coffee and drink it black and unsweetened, without any cream or sugar.