I used to be one of those people who are powered by coffee.
The first thing I did when I woke up was make coffee just so I am capable of actually making my bed and starting the day. Throughout the day I kept fueling myself with coffee, and I even got to a point where I convinced myself that I couldn’t function without it.
Thanks to journaling, I noticed that I was becoming dependent on coffee and every day I was drinking more than the previous one. I also noticed that my anxiety was spiking and my sleep was increasingly deteriorating. I had to make some lifestyle changes.
I did some reading and decided to cut back on the coffee. I continued journaling and these are some of the benefits which I observed.
Coffee is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep, especially if consumed in the afternoon or evening. By quitting coffee, you may find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Coffee can increase anxiety levels in some people, especially those who are prone to anxiety. It stimulates the nervous system which can result in increased heart rate, sweaty palms or irritability. Quitting coffee can lead to a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Coffee can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase acidity levels, leading to digestive issues such as acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion.
Cristina Tahoces of Thrive Nutrition Practice stated that when you drink coffee,
"Your body starts to pump out cortisol in levels similar to when you're going through an acute stress response, this results in poor digestion and absorption of vital nutrients and minerals."
Coffee can stain and erode tooth enamel, leading to yellowing and sensitivity.
Caffeinated drinks also dry out your mouth, which might result in bad dental health. By quitting coffee, you may be able to improve the health and appearance of your teeth.
Regular coffee consumption can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. By quitting coffee, you can break this cycle and reduce your dependence on caffeine.
Coffee is a diuretic that can cause dehydration if consumed in large amounts. By quitting coffee, you may find it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Quitting coffee can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being, leading to improved energy levels, mood, and productivity.
Caffeine also gets in the way of collagen production. Collagen keeps our skin firm and strengthens our bones so when its production is low, it means our skin quality gets compromised. Cutting out coffee can allow our bodies to effectively produce the amount of collagen we need.
Coffee is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the walls of blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure. While there are several factors that influence blood pressure, reducing caffeine intake can reduce blood pressure and decrease the chances of heart disease.
Reducing your coffee intake can be a challenging process, but it is possible with a few practical tips and strategies.
Here are some ways to reduce your coffee intake:
Rather than quitting coffee altogether, try reducing your intake gradually. Start by reducing the amount of coffee you drink each day by a small amount, such as half a cup, and gradually decrease it over time.
If you love the taste of coffee but want to reduce your caffeine intake, switch to decaf coffee or try half-caf coffee to slowly decrease your caffeine intake.
Instead of drinking coffee, try other beverages such as caffeine-free tea, herbal teas, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
Often, people drink coffee when they are thirsty, so try drinking water instead. Staying hydrated can also help you feel more awake and alert.
If you tend to drink coffee at certain times of the day, try to adjust your routine. For example, if you always have a cup of coffee mid-afternoon, try going for a walk instead.
If you find yourself relying on coffee to get through the day, it may be worth addressing any underlying issues, such as poor sleep or stress, that could be causing fatigue.
Remember, reducing your coffee intake should be a gradual process that is personalized to your individual needs and circumstances. Be patient with yourself and focus on making small changes over time.
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