Coffee before a concert?

Coffee. Who doesn't like it? :) Is it good to drink it before a concert? It depends.

Research suggests that drinking coffee and caffeinated beverages promotes mental alertness and that’s why so many people drink coffee. But it’s good to realize that too much caffeine can cause nervousness, restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, and even insomnia. Sleep difficulties and anxiety are two of the top five obstacles to peak performance, so if you struggle with getting good sleep, think about the amount of caffeine you consume on a daily basis. If you notice that you get anxious or jittery with caffeine, gradually reduce the amount of coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks you have each day, especially if you suffer from the physical symptoms of performance anxiety. If you have a challenging concert ahead of you, try to avoid caffeine altogether.

However, if you find yourself in a situation when the task that you are about to do is too easy or even boring, be sure to have a cup of coffee to energize yourself and give your best on stage. If you prefer a healthier way to boost your energy and mood, try dark chocolate! A small square of dark chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins and increase serotonin levels. Studies show that people who eat dark chocolate produce fewer stress hormones and their anxiety levels decrease, so a delicious dark chocolate bar is definitely a great choice before a demanding performance!

How is it with you? What is your experience with drinking coffee before performing in public?