Abstract

Caffeine, a widely used stimulant, can have a drastic effect on mental distress and overall well being. Caffeine interacts with the nervous system and has been shown to elevate stress levels. Contrary to caffeine, exercise and breakfast have the ability to lower stress levels and have been shown to decrease perceived stress and mental distress. To assess the correlation between factors such as caffeine, exercise, and breakfast with mental distress and perceived stress, an anonymous online survey was administered to 1591 students aged 18 and older through social media and email. The survey’s used were the Food-Mood Questionnaire, Kessler-6 and Perceived Stress Scale. Students were asked demographic questions as well as questions regarding their personal nutrition and mental distress and perceived stress. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Our correlation results revealed that lack of exercise, skipping breakfast, and drinking caffeinated beverages strongly associated with mental distress and perceived stress patterns. Our results were validated using a Principal Component Analysis test, which showed that skipping breakfast in combination with lack of exercise leads to increased feelings of hopelessness and perceived stress. Therefore, people who consume caffeine, skip breakfast, and do not exercise have a greater risk of experiencing symptoms of mental distress or perceived stress. Individuals should consider daily breakfast and exercise while lowering caffeine consumption in order to manage stress levels and improve their overall wellbeing.