Sunday intel. When someone at MUD\WTR recently began seeing a therapist, the intake form contained an interesting question: “Do you drink coffee? If so, how much per day?” This sparked the curiosity of Trends w/ Benefits writer Gina Tomaine (@gtomaine). Why did the therapist care if her patients drank coffee? So she went on a mission to find out in her latest piece, “Why Your Therapist Cares if You Drink Coffee.” “Caffeine usage is good to know,” Jennifer Hill, a licensed professional clinical counselor in Encinitas, California, told her. “If the client is struggling with anxiety, it can trigger anxiety and cause anxiety-like symptoms in those who don’t have anxiety.” Caffeine works as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. Around 85 percent of the U.S. population consumes at least one caffeinated beverage per day. It works to stimulate by blocking your body’s adenosine receptors—this blockage prevents you from becoming tired, and can make you feel more alert and energized. But in addition to issues of restless sleep and insomnia, caffeine consumption can cause symptoms of anxiety—especially if someone is having a lot of it. Head to the link in our bio for a deep dive into everything you need to know before your next cuppa. . . . . . . #coffee #therapy #therapist #selfcare #selfhelp #selflove #selfmade #routine #info #learning #morning #day #lifestyle #intel