By: David-Alan Venable

Drinking beer at work can be a good thing! I know it sounds nuts, but hear me out…

Sources like the Huffington Post and Medical Daily say consuming a low percentage of alcohol improves problem-solving skills and increases creative cognition (just ask Ernest Hemingway, right?). How low should you be aiming for? It’s advised to stay below .08% BAC if you want to keep work somewhere in the front of your mind.

While we aren’t condoning getting drunk at work, we are admitting that maybe a glass of beer at midday could help loosen those afternoon mind-farts and get your brain ticking a little harder.

I figure you’re looking for some science in the claim. Here’s what I’ve got: A study published in Consciousness and Cognition divided a test group in half, giving one side a little cranberry-vodka, and prompted them with problem-solving questions. The guys who were buzzed outperformed the sober guys with an average of 11.5 seconds response time versus the 15.2 it took the others. The buzzed group also scored 15% higher in correct answers.

The target BAC of the test was .075%, so again, don’t feel like this is an invitation to get crazy. But maybe you should reconsider the beer-on-tap that’s free 24/7 to Joynture members…