The process of brewing coffee is filled with elements of mindfulness

When do you feel like having a cup of coffee?

Even as you suppress the urge to drink it right away, you take the time to grind the beans, boil the water, and carefully brew it.

Why do we engage in this somewhat time-consuming task?

Perhaps it's because it helps shift your mindset or allows you to relax.

Focusing on making a delicious cup of coffee is, in itself, an act of mindfulness—continuously directing your attention to what you are experiencing in the present moment.

This process can also stimulate brain function.

In this article, I would like to explore the connection between mindfulness and coffee.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the state of being fully aware and focused on the present moment, paying attention to your body and mind as they are, without judgment.

Scientific research has shown that mindfulness brings many benefits to our brain and mind.

Are you able to focus on "the present moment"?

There are times when we become caught up in certain thoughts or our bodies fill up with baseless imaginations. When this happens, we become disconnected from what's happening right in front of us, entering a "mind elsewhere" state.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment without judgment, not labeling things as good or bad, and sharpening our senses to experience the reality of "the present moment."

As you become more mindful, your ability to concentrate increases, and you may find yourself more frequently noticing things in your daily life that you hadn’t before.

When your mind is filled with the present reality, it is surprisingly easy to find peace and calm within yourself.

Mindfulness Helps Reduce Stress

One of the benefits of mindfulness is that it helps reduce anxiety and stress.

When stress persists over time, it can make it difficult to control emotions and desires. This is linked to a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex is involved in functions such as enhancing concentration and creativity, but it also plays a key role in regulating emotions and behaviors.

When the prefrontal cortex isn’t functioning optimally, it becomes harder to manage emotions and stress, leading to heightened feelings of anxiety.

Research in neuroscience shows that practicing mindfulness can help activate the prefrontal cortex, improving its ability to regulate emotions and reducing stress.

The act of carefully brewing coffee stimulates the prefrontal cortex.

To activate the functions of the prefrontal cortex, it is important to provide stimulation to the brain.

As mentioned earlier, mindfulness is effective in enhancing brain function.

In addition, activities that involve using the hands, such as playing musical instruments, are also said to activate the prefrontal cortex.

Even household chores like cooking and cleaning can have a positive effect when performed with care and attention.

Therefore, when you put your heart into carefully brewing delicious coffee, your prefrontal cortex is activated.

The key is to focus on the task and follow the steps meticulously.

The Effects of Coffee Aroma on Us

Why does the aroma of coffee feel so comforting and relaxing?
When you enter a coffee shop and catch a whiff of that delightful scent, you can’t help but want to breathe it in deeply.

There are three types of coffee aromas:

・Fragrance – The aroma released from roasted or freshly ground coffee beans.
・Aroma – The scent that arises when hot water is poured over the coffee during the brewing process (the fresher the grind, the stronger the aroma).
・Flavor – The aroma that travels through the nose when coffee is taken into the mouth.

Here, we will introduce two effects that coffee aroma can have on us.

Promotes Relaxation

The relaxing effect of coffee aroma is linked to the generation of alpha waves in the brain.
Alpha waves are a type of brain wave that appears when the mind and body are in a relaxed state.
A study has shown that certain coffee aromas provide us with a calming effect.
Coffee beans known for their high relaxation effects include Guatemala and Blue Mountain varieties.

Enhances Concentration

It has also been found that coffee aroma enhances concentration.
This is due to the increased appearance of the P300 brain wave, which is a marker of heightened attention and faster cognitive processing.
P300 waves emerge when the brain is actively engaged and processing information efficiently.
Coffee beans known for boosting concentration include Hawaii Kona and Brazil Santos.

Mindfulness in the Process of Brewing Coffee

As you begin preparing hot water and coffee beans, you may find yourself thinking, “Which cup should I use today?”
The simple yet careful act of brewing coffee is, in itself, an act of mindfulness—bringing your awareness to your mind and body in “this very moment.”

Observing the Aroma and Shape of the Coffee Beans

Open the bag and take a moment to inhale the aroma. What kind of scent do you notice?
Observe the color and shape of the beans, which vary depending on the degree of roasting.
Lightly roasted beans may feel dry, while dark roasted beans tend to have a glossy sheen.
How do they feel when you touch them with your fingers? Engage all your senses as you observe.

Grinding the Coffee Beans

When time allows, it’s best to grind the beans using a manual coffee mill.
Carefully pour the beans into the mill, taking care not to spill them. The sound of the beans entering the mill is pleasant, isn’t it?
As you turn the mill, pay attention to the sensation in your hands and the sound of the beans being crushed.
The aroma is wonderful.
It is said that coffee beans contain tiny dimples filled with aromatic coffee oils. When the beans are ground, these oils are released, creating that delightful scent.

Brewing the Coffee

Place the freshly ground coffee into the dripper and gently level it out.
Pour just enough hot water to wet the grounds and allow them to bloom.
Observe for about 30 seconds as the coffee grounds swell and release their aroma, with steam rising gently.
Pour the hot water in several stages and watch patiently as the coffee drips down.
How do the color and aroma develop?
You can also hear the soft dripping sound of the coffee falling into the server.

Savoring the Coffee

Pour the coffee into your chosen favorite cup.
Place your hand on the cup, feeling the warmth while observing the color and aroma.
Some may prefer the piping hot coffee just after brewing, while others enjoy it when it cools to the perfect temperature.
Even cold coffee can be delicious.
Focus on noticing any bitterness, sweetness, or acidity. Pay attention to how the aroma lingers through your nose as you savor the flavor.

Refresh Your Mind and Body with a Mindful Coffee Time

In this article, we introduced the concept of mindfulness through coffee.
Mindfulness, which involves focusing your awareness on your mind and body in “this very moment,” has been shown to reduce stress.
Similarly, the aroma of coffee offers benefits such as enhancing focus and promoting relaxation.

Why not dedicate the time spent brewing coffee to practicing mindfulness?
Engage your five senses by observing the color and sheen of the beans, the aroma, the warmth, the sounds, and the taste.
When the prefrontal cortex of the brain is activated, it enhances emotional control, leading to reduced stress.
As your mind becomes calmer, you may gradually find yourself spending more time in a state of inner peace.

Thank you very much for reading until the end.