If you’re looking for a sign to start an expensive coffee habit, this is it.

New research indicates that people who regularly drink coffee have a lower chance of developing skin cancer. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that persons drinking four cups or more a day had 20 percent lower risk rate.

Previous studies conflict with these results, but while these scientists work on verifying the conclusion, feel free to grab a cup of coffee as you read this column.

Okay, if you’ve ever taken a statistics class then you know about lurking variables. Avoiding the sun helps reduce skin cancer, and coffee drinkers usually drink their coffee indoors, thus limiting their exposure to the sun. Lurking variable.

Additionally, a survey of 1,000 American workers by Accounting Principals estimates that the average Joe spends nearly $1,100 every year on a cup of joe.

Fine, coffee may not exactly reduce skin cancer and it may be expensive, so is this really a sign to consume more coffee? Yes! Caffeine possesses benefits that accomplish more than simply keeping you alert.

As an avid coffee drinker (by avid I mean I drink Starbucks), a day without my six shot espresso venti mocha equals a day wasted. That’s right, six shots. I drink coffee so often that I’ve built up a tolerance. In fact, I’m drinking my venti right now as I’m typing this story.

In my experience, my $7 drink provides me with more happiness than anything else available at the same price.

“Oh my goodness! Nickson, $7 for a cup of coffee, why don’t you brew one in your dorm?” some readers may ask. Frankly, I don’t believe in an espresso machine. You dump solid beans into a bowl and somehow it turns into liquid. I wouldn’t be able to handle one. Can’t do it. Besides, coffee is like a sandwich, it tastes better when someone else makes it. Fellas, amirite?

Well there goes my female audience.

Also, whenever I need a boost in productivity, creativity or alacrity, coffee will always be my pick-me-up drug. Compared to smoking a cigarette, I’d like to think drinking coffee is a healthier alternative for a stimulant. So while the smokers step outside to light a stogie, I’ll be cozied up indoors sippin’ my coffee.

And for those who are unable to receive an Adderall prescription, coffee represents a more socially acceptable alternative.

“Wait a second, Umphrey Lee and Arnold Dining Hall offer free coffee, so why should we buy a cup?” readers may ask. First, I’m unsure if the dining halls provide free coffee because I always go to Starbucks. Second, if they do offer free coffee it probably tastes like s***.

Coffee is cool. If you go on Tumblr or Pinterest, you’ve probably seen those fancy coffee drinks: the ones with the floral decoration or the smiling cat pawing at the brim of the cup.

Coffee is hot. With the random temperature drops lately, a steaming cup of coffee is exactly what you need to warm you up.

When you need to take a break from studying or simply need to clear your mind, coffee presents a peaceful getaway from all the troubles in your life. An authority on nutrition, Authority Nutrition published an article stating that the more coffee you drink, the happier you’ll be. So if you’re having another one of those days where nothing seems to be going your way, grab a cup of coffee and feel better.

So you really like this cute girl or boy, you want to ask him or her out but you don’t know where. Going to the movies leaves out time to converse and taking him or her to dinner seems too formal, so what do you do? Take your crush out for coffee! It’s relaxing and provides the perfect amount of time to get to know your date a little better.

To all of those who feel bad about walking into class late with your Starbucks coffee, don’t. Tell your professor that arriving five minutes late for class with coffee allows you to focus throughout the entire lecture. If they remain unconvinced, show them this article, but be sure to black out my name.

The jolt from coffee sharpens your mind, allowing you to work in a more efficient and smarter way. After all, coffee basically caused the Enlightenment Period. Well, not exactly, but local thinkers did meet in coffeehouses to discuss, debate and challenge established institutions during this Age of Reason. Basically, if you want to be as smart as Sir Isaac Newton, drink coffee.

And there you have it: the most important reasons to drink coffee everyday, a coffee addict’s perspective on the advantages of a daily caffeine habit, and the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Coffee, Thor-approved: “This drink, I like it! Another!”