crack open a cold one 🥤

Welcome back to Sugar Cereal! Your weekly hit of behavioral science, curious human quirks, and the occasional “wait, that’s real?” 🙃

Think of it as snackable brain fuel for the delightfully overthinking crowd.

Ready for today’s bowl? 🥣

Whatcha sippin’ on there, friend? Got a little rum in your Yoohoo? Nod and a wink to any fellow Big Daddy fans.

All Adam Sandler quotes aside, did you know the temperature of that drink you're carrying can influence how others perceive your personality?

That’s right. Holding a cold bevvy can make you come across as more rational, distant, or analytical. On the flip side, holding a warm drink makes you seem warmer, kinder, and more approachable.

This is all thanks to something called embodied cognition: the idea that physical sensations can shape our thoughts, feelings, and judgments.

In a 2008 study, researchers Lawrence Williams and John Bargh had participants hold either a hot or iced cup of coffee before being asked to evaluate someone’s personality. The people holding the hot cup were significantly more likely to describe the person as warm and friendly.

Same script, different cup. Completely different vibe. 😎

Wondering which drink temp will work in your favor? Use these tips to pick your poison 👇

🫖 Heading to an interview or first meeting?
Bring a warm drink to help create instant warmth and approachability.

🥶 Need to negotiate, pitch, or lead?
Cold beverage = cool-headed energy. Use it when you want to come across as more strategic than cuddly.

🧘 Feeling too anxious before a talk?
A warm drink can physically and psychologically calm you down (and help others see you as more grounded, too).

As we savor last sip of this week’s Sugar Cereal milk, remember: people are reading you…and the props you bring with you.

The next time you’re prepping for a big moment, choose your drink like it’s part of the outfit. Bonus points if you already color coordinate your Stanley!

Like what you see? Don’t miss the next issue! 👇

Learn something new today? Sharing is caring! Forward Sugar Cereal to a sweet friend (or two). 💌

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