A calmer, clearer energy upgrade for the New Year
Introduction: From Coffee Crashes to Cognitive Clarity
By the end of December, my coffee habit was catching up with me. What used to be a reliable jolt of energy had become a source of jitteriness, mid-morning crashes, and mental fog. Like many, I wasn’t craving more stimulation—I was seeking calmer energy and clearer focus.
That shift led me to explore a more supportive routine: replacing my second (and sometimes third) cup of coffee with ceremonial-grade Matcha paired with Lion’s Mane mushroom extract. What started as an experiment has turned into a habit that now anchors my mornings.
Phase 1: Matcha — A Steady, Focused Energy
High-quality Matcha differs significantly from both green tea and coffee. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that supports relaxation without causing drowsiness. When combined with caffeine—as it naturally is in Matcha—L-theanine helps create a unique physiological state often described as "calm alertness."
In a randomized controlled trial, participants who consumed L-theanine with caffeine experienced improved cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue compared to caffeine alone (Giesbrecht et al., 2010).
Additional studies suggest that regular Matcha intake may support attention and executive function in older adults (Baba et al., 2021).
Unlike the sharp rise-and-crash of coffee, Matcha delivers a gentler, longer-lasting lift, making it easier to maintain concentration throughout the morning.
My daily go-to: I use Organic Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha packets from Superfood Science. They’re portable, pre-portioned, and dissolve easily in warm water—no whisk required.
How I Prepare It:
- Add one 2-gram packet to a cup
- Pour in ~6 oz of hot water (not boiling)
- Stir until fully dissolved
Phase 2: Lion’s Mane — Support for Cognitive Clarity
If Matcha provides the calm energy, Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) delivers the cognitive nourishment.
Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis—a protein essential for healthy nerve cell function (Mori et al., 2009). While its effects are not immediate like caffeine, Lion’s Mane appears to support mental clarity and mood over time.
In a recent randomized controlled trial, young adults who took Lion’s Mane reported improvements in memory and reductions in perceived stress (Docherty et al., 2023).
What I use: I pair my Matcha with Cognitive Rescue Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules from Superfood Science. These provide a standardized extract that fits easily into my morning supplement routine.
How I Take It:
- 2 capsules with or after breakfast
- Consistency: every morning, 30+ days
Why This Combo Works
What I appreciate most about the Matcha + Lion’s Mane combination is its synergistic simplicity:
- Matcha helps me stay energized and focused without overstimulation
- Lion’s Mane supports brain health and emotional resilience over time
This pairing doesn’t try to overpower the brain; it supports it gently, making it easier to stay consistent with my routine.
What to Expect: A Realistic Timeline
Unlike the overnight rush of coffee, these benefits build gradually:
- Days 1–7: Less caffeine-induced tension, smoother energy
- Weeks 2–4: Noticeably better focus, more even moods
- After 1 month: Cognitive support becomes more apparent as consistency sets in
If you’re switching from multiple cups of coffee, tapering rather than going cold turkey may reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Before & After: My Energy Shift
Before:
- Morning energy spikes followed by crashes
- Afternoon fog and coffee dependency
- Jitters, restlessness, and disrupted focus
After:
- Sustained energy from morning through early afternoon
- Sharper concentration and a more balanced mood
- Easier to stick with morning mindfulness or creative work
It’s not a miracle cure, but this switch noticeably improved my mornings.
Final Thoughts
If your New Year's intention includes supporting better focus, emotional clarity, or a more sustainable energy rhythm, the Matcha + Lion’s Mane pairing is worth exploring. This combination helped me replace excess caffeine with a calm, nourishing alternative—and it’s one I plan to keep.
Clinical Note (For Practitioners)
- Matcha Dose: 2 grams per day (about 1 packet)
- Lion’s Mane Extract: 500–1000 mg/day of fruiting body extract standardized to beta-glucans
- Format: Powder + capsule
- Duration: 30+ days for cognitive outcomes
References
- Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kobayashi, M., Kaneko, T., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of daily Matcha and caffeine intake on mild cognitive impairment: A randomized placebo-controlled study. Nutrients, 13(5), 1700. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051700
- Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) on cognitive function and subjective stress in healthy young adults. Nutrients, 15(22), 4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842
- Giesbrecht, T., Rycroft, J. A., Rowson, M. J., & De Bruin, E. A. (2010). The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases self-reported alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience, 13(6), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1179/147683010X12620951701349
- Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634