Going into an important meeting

Got a big meeting in the diary? Need your head to be switched on and brimming with ideas? Anticipating a grilling from your boss? It’s only natural to brew up just before so you’ve got a steaming mug of motivation in front of you. But, according to Robinson, that might not be the best idea as consuming caffeine at this juncture “could increase feelings of nervousness”. Instead, why not try a half-caf blend (several brands offer these) or try an alternative blend that includes ashwagandha (known to help promote calm). “I recommend trying some of these alternative coffees and finding what suits your body and palate,” she says.

By mid-morning, neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart believes it’s too late for caffeine. “I don’t advise drinking caffeine after 10am,” she tells Strong Women. “Anxiety drives people to caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate the symptoms, so it’s worth considering if that’s an issue.” She suggests matcha tea as a good coffee alternative: it contains caffeine but gives a more sustainable, longer-term boost.

Hughes also likes matcha for its L-theanine content: “Swap coffee for L-theanine rich green teas [such as matcha], which calm the nervous system while still offering an energy boost.” A 2012 study found that when participants consumed a combination of L-theanine and caffeine, their focus and attention span improved, although further studies in this area are needed.

The best times to drink tea and coffee to stay focused and energised at work, according to experts