12 days without caffeine
2
No, that's not how long I plan to go without for. That's how long it's been so far since I have consumed any form of caffeine-containing food or drink, including chocolate!
- Health hub/
- Stress relief & sleep support/
- 12 days without caffeine
No, that's not how long I plan to go without for. That's how long it's been so far since I have consumed any form of caffeine-containing food or drink, including chocolate!
Yes, I have decided to have a break from caffeine for a while.
Don't get me wrong – I don't think caffeine is bad across the board. I am a self-confessed lover of a good flat white. Coffee is definitely my caffeine-containing item of choice. It's just that I think it is time to have a bit of a break for a while.
You see, I think the key to caffeine consumption is moderation, and also a healthy awareness of how it affects you as an individual. In my clinical practice I see such a broad range of responses to caffeine that are not dependant on the amount consumed.
Some people report palpitations after one half-strength cup, while others can have two or three full-strength cups per day and report little side effect. There is, of course, a built up intolerance if you drink coffee regularly, but even with that considered, my conclusion is we humans have a varied tolerance.
So, back to why I'm giving it a miss for a while.
I've realised I have a little relationship going on with coffee (well, the caffeine really), and I suspect I am not alone. It's called 'relying upon it to make me feel awake.' Sound familiar?
I realised that, for me, it was the psychological addiction that I wanted to challenge. My hypothesis; I do not need caffeine to keep me awake. And so, I am on day 12 of my experiment.
And this is what I have discovered.
- Initially I felt very tired, and yes, even from previously only drinking one to two coffees per day, I had a headache for the first few days.
- I became more sensible with my sleep and rest habits. Why? Because I 'knew' that I didn't have coffee to wake me up in the morning.
- Without my 'crutch' I became more in tune with my body's natural needs for rest and relaxation.
- I am now aware that I seem to have more energy in the day, and I have discovered that I don't need caffeine to make me feel awake at all!
So there you have it. My days of flat white sipping are definitely not over forever, but it is nice to know that my hypothesis was right. I don't need it to keep me awake!
We accept
