Approximately 80% of the world's population consumes caffeine. That doesn't change the fact that it's a drug. It's legal and convenient so you should take advantage of it.

Everyone knows that caffeine provides a significant mental and physical energy lift. Most are unaware that it works only once a day! This is because caffeine stays in your body quite a while (it's half life is about 5 hours). Until the levels drop significantly additional caffeine has little or no effect. This is known as tachyphylaxis and is due to neurotransmitter phenomena. Most people use caffeine in the morning to wake up. Light is what really wakes you up. Try not using any caffeine and you'll find that you wake up at about the same rate. The big advantage of this is that you are then able to use caffeine as a drug later in the day. Depending on your schedule drink a caffeine beverage with lunch or in the late afternoon. If you finish work by 5:00 or 6:00 pm it's best to have the drink with lunch. No more after lunch drowsiness! If you work or work out in the early evening save your caffeine boost for the late afternoon. Coffee and a high carbohydrate snack then will power you through the evening. I drink Coke in the late afternoon; this provides the caffeine and the carbohydrate (sugar). Experiment around to find the amount of caffeine and timing that work best for you. This is important since everyone is different in their response. Coffee has the most caffeine. Tea has less and cola beverages the least. The amount in coffee and tea varies greatly depending on the specific brand and brewing method. This makes it hard to get the same amount each time. Cola beverages always contain the same amount and you can buy caffeine tablets at any pharmacy.

Cocoa and chocolate also contain small amounts of caffeine.

Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and/or tremors so you need to find out what level is optimum for you.

Some people maximize the drug effects by only consuming caffeine once a week. This is useful for one day or night of very high energy levels.

One word of caution: If you consume more than about 300 mg of caffeine daily you may be caffeine dependent. If you discontinue using it entirely you may get caffeine withdrawal headaches. Most people who drink five or more cups of coffee per day will have these headaches which can be as disabling as any migraine headache. Taper cautiously.

The key thing to remember: no caffeine before noon; you don't really need it. Then use it like a drug to give you a physical and mental lift when you want it most.