There’s nothing better than that first cup of coffee as I head out to the shop in the morning. It clears the morning cobwebs and eases me back to life. With that first sip I smack my lips and utter a euphoric “ahhh”, and within a few minutes the dopamine starts to kick in and I’m almost ready to begin another day of wood shop bliss.
We all have our morning routines. Mine starts early with my ritual cup of coffee, a reflective moment standing out in the shop where I start to put my day in order, then a creative period sitting in my recliner, the cable news idiots turned on but tuned out, and a notepad in my lap to jot down project thoughts and inspiration. After an hour or so of this, it’s time for a brisk walk around the park, another cup of coffee and some breakfast. By now my neighbors have left for work, and it’s time to make some noise in the shop. But first, that second cup of coffee is starting to usher in the call of mother nature. Yes, routines have many positive effects, from providing structure and promoting good habits, to reducing stress and helping us to sleep at night. And for me, the coffee routine helps make me a regular fella!