We’ve all felt it... the day has been chugging along nicely, then afternoon hits and suddenly your brain feels like it’s wrapped in fog. Emails pile up, your motivation tanks, your struggling to keep your eyes open, and that “just one more coffee” thought starts to sneak in.
But here’s the truth: the 3 pm slump isn’t your fault. It’s a mix of biology, diet, and how caffeine interacts with your brain chemistry. And while another shot of espresso might perk you up for 30 minutes, it often leaves you more tired (and more anxious) later.
That’s exactly why we created Mind Brew, our smooth mushroom coffee designed to fuel your brain and body without the spike-and-crash cycle. Read on to learn more about why we slump at 3pm and how mushroom coffee may be your secret weapon!
Why do we get an afternoon energy slump?
There are three main reasons most of us hit the wall mid-afternoon:
1. Circadian rhythm dips
Your body has a natural clock ticking away inside. Around 1–3 pm, your core body temperature drops slightly and melatonin (the sleep hormone) nudges upward. This is why siestas and afternoon naps are common in many different cultures - our biology literally craves rest at this time (Harvard Health).
2. Blood sugar rollercoaster
Lunch that’s heavy in carbs or sugars can spike blood glucose, followed by a sharp drop. That “sugar crash” makes you feel sluggish, unfocused, and sometimes even irritable, which can culminate in the 3pm slump (Better Health Vic).
3. Caffeine catch-up
Coffee blocks a chemical called adenosine, which actually builds up in the brain to make you feel sleepy. But once that caffeine wears off, adenosine floods back in, often harder than before, making you feel even more sluggish (Sleep Foundation).
The bottom line: traditional coffee may be delicious and a quick-fix, but it sets you up for short bursts of energy followed by a steep, delirium-inducing crash. That's why so many people feel addicted to coffee - your body and mind are screaming at you to help keep them awake!
How does Mind Brew change the game?
Mind Brew is built differently (we made it that way!)
Instead of overstimulating your nervous system and leading you to a 3pm crash out, it blends coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms (Lion's Mane + Cordyceps) and healthy fats like MCT oil that:
- Stabilise energy instead of spiking it.
- Support your stress response, so you don’t feel jittery and anxious
- Nourish the brain for clarity, productivity and focus.
Here’s how the key ingredients work:
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Contains compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting brain cell communication and cognitive performance (PubMed).
- Cordyceps Mushroom: Shown to support oxygen uptake and ATP (your body’s cellular energy currency), boosting stamina and reducing fatigue (NCBI).
- MCT Oil + Coconut Milk Powder: Provide ketones for the brain, offering steady energy and mental clarity (Healthline).
- Brazilian Arabica Coffee (half caffeine): Gives you the ritual and gentle lift of coffee without flooding your system with stress hormones.
How replacing regular coffee helps prevent the slump
When you swap your second (or third) coffee for Mind Brew, three things happen:
-
Less adenosine rebound
With lower caffeine, you avoid the sharp comedown that causes grogginess. -
No cortisol spike
Regular coffee can push up cortisol, your stress hormone. Mind Brew’s adaptogens help buffer this, so you don’t get the “wired but tired” feeling. -
Smoother blood sugar response
Because Mind Brew contains healthy fats, it slows absorption and gives steadier energy. No crash, no cravings.
Common questions about Mind Brew
Does mushroom coffee really work?
Yes. Studies show Lion’s Mane supports cognition while Cordyceps boosts endurance. When paired with coffee, the result is calm focus that lasts. (See more in our blog: Best Mushrooms for Focus).
Will I still feel awake after drinking mushroom coffee?
Definitely — but the energy feels different. Customers often describe it as “calm alertness” or “clear focus” rather than a buzzy high.
Can it replace my morning coffee with mushroom coffee?
For most people, yes. Some keep their first cup of regular coffee, but switch to Mind Brew later in the day to avoid the 3 pm crash.
What does mushroom coffee taste like?
Smooth, rich, and creamy, thanks to Arabica beans and coconut milk powder. No mushroom flavour, just café-quality coffee.
Practical tips for avoiding the slump
Even with Mind Brew, you can set yourself up for smoother afternoons by:
- Balancing lunch with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
- Taking a quick walk or stretching to reset your circadian dip.
- Hydrating — dehydration is a sneaky energy killer.
For more hacks, check out our blog: Best Way to Begin Your Mushroom Journey.
Upgrade your coffee ritual
The 3 pm slump isn’t inevitable — it’s a signal that your body needs better fuel. By replacing regular coffee with Mind Brew, you’re choosing energy that’s smoother, cleaner, and kinder to your brain.
✨ Skip the crash. Sip the clarity. Try Mush Mush Mind Brew today.
