Pause and Reflect
Life moves at a lightning pace these days. Everything happens fast—our food is fast, our driving is fast, and if you’re from New Jersey, like me, you even talk fast! With the constant barrage of notifications on our phones, finding a place to slow down and breathe is more important than ever. Some of the best places to enjoy quiet time and relax are coffee shops. Finding a cozy corner in a quaint and warm atmosphere while sipping on a delicious drink is one of my favorite ways to unwind. These spaces provide the perfect setting for reflection and peace, and they're also great places to study or write.
The Benefits of a Quiet Coffee Shop for Studying and Working
“Being in natural surroundings, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, has been found to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and increase overall well-being.” (Copernicus Health Hub).
There’s something magical about a warm, peaceful, and aesthetically beautiful coffee shop that makes me want to curl up in a big, comfy corner chair to study, relax, or hang out with my friends. The enticing smells of freshly brewed coffee, along with the soft background music and the low murmurs of other patrons, create the perfect environment to slow down and focus.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research showed that “a low-to-moderate level of ambient noise in a place like a cafeteria can actually boost your creative output.” (Lufkin, 2022). The idea is that when you're in an ambient atmosphere, you're more likely to focus, and the constant hum of the cafe's background noise can help you be more creative. Additionally, seeing other people around you doing the same thing, like studying, can be a huge motivator. In a 2016 study, researchers found that when participants sat next to each other in front of a computer and performed a task on the same screen, they were influenced by the effort exerted by their partner. The study demonstrated that simply being in close proximity to someone who is putting in a lot of effort in a task can influence your own level of effort (Lufkin, 2022).
Why Oo-de-Lally Coffee is the Perfect Place
When life seems overwhelming, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life are bearing down a quiet coffee shop is just the place to escape. Whether you need a place to study, do some work, or simply need a little “me time,” coffee shops can provide a calm and comfortable place to focus. One of my favorite local spots is a quaint little place in Castle Rock, Colorado, called Oo-de-Lally Coffee. The shop is as magical and whimsical as the name. With swing rope seating and a rooftop that offers majestic mountain views, Oo-de-Lally is the perfect go-to place for some relaxation or study time.
Unlike most coffee shops, Oo-de-Lally is a faith-centered environment with calming worship music in the background. The framed Bible quotes and encouraging phrases placed around the shop add another layer of positivity if you're feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, reminding you that there's something bigger than you.
Conclusion
In summary, your favorite coffee shop is more than just a place for great coffee and delicious treats—it's a sanctuary away from the chaos and busyness of everyday life. Whether you're seeking a quiet place to study, reflect, or unwind, consider visiting your favorite coffee shop to discover moments of tranquility and inspiration.
References:
Mental health and well-being. Copernicus Health Hub. (n.d.). https://health.hub.copernicus.eu/mental-health-and-well-being#:~:text=Being%20in%20natural%20surroundings%2C%20such,and%20increase%20overall%20well%2Dbeing.
Lufkin, B. (2022, February 25). Why you’re more creative in Coffee Shops. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210114-why-youre-more-creative-in-coffee-shops
Home: Oo•de•lally coffee: Castle Rock, Colorado. Oo-de-Lally Coffee. (n.d.). https://www.oodelallycoffee.com/
