Caffeine
Posted 10-23-2009 at 09:40 AM by Baraka_Guru
Well, I've decided to get off of caffeine again.
I've done this a couple of times now. Both previous attempts lasted for a few weeks, maybe a couple of months, before I convinced myself that I could have coffee occasionally. But it wouldn't be long before I was back to my regular daily 16-oz. strong brew habit.
I've read the literature about it, and I know coffee has its benefits, but as far as I'm concerned, it isn't worth it. I don't want this dependency on caffeine anymore. I know for a fact that I sleep better without it. And I hate it when I'm not feeling up to something just because I haven't had my coffee yet.
I've also read recently that caffeine can make anxiety and depression symptoms worse. It doesn't necessarily cause them, but it acts as a multiplier. That's something else I don't need.
So what does that leave me? Well, I enjoy green tea immensely, and I've been drinking even that decaffeinated. Then there are a host of other types of tea I really enjoy too, including oolong, white, and black teas. And then there is herbal tea.
I will enjoy the occasional decaffeinated coffee, but only as a treat because apparently decaf does weird things to cholesterol levels.
Green and white tea in particular have a wide array of benefits, many of which I would like to take advantage of.
This is what I'm after: quality sleep, stress management, sustained energy.
This is what I'm avoiding: energy crashes, moodiness, anxiety/stress, lethargy, disturbed sleep patterns.
I've been there; I've done that. I just need to stay on the wagon this time.
So long, caffeine. I want my brain back.
I've done this a couple of times now. Both previous attempts lasted for a few weeks, maybe a couple of months, before I convinced myself that I could have coffee occasionally. But it wouldn't be long before I was back to my regular daily 16-oz. strong brew habit.
I've read the literature about it, and I know coffee has its benefits, but as far as I'm concerned, it isn't worth it. I don't want this dependency on caffeine anymore. I know for a fact that I sleep better without it. And I hate it when I'm not feeling up to something just because I haven't had my coffee yet.
I've also read recently that caffeine can make anxiety and depression symptoms worse. It doesn't necessarily cause them, but it acts as a multiplier. That's something else I don't need.
So what does that leave me? Well, I enjoy green tea immensely, and I've been drinking even that decaffeinated. Then there are a host of other types of tea I really enjoy too, including oolong, white, and black teas. And then there is herbal tea.
I will enjoy the occasional decaffeinated coffee, but only as a treat because apparently decaf does weird things to cholesterol levels.
Green and white tea in particular have a wide array of benefits, many of which I would like to take advantage of.
This is what I'm after: quality sleep, stress management, sustained energy.
This is what I'm avoiding: energy crashes, moodiness, anxiety/stress, lethargy, disturbed sleep patterns.
I've been there; I've done that. I just need to stay on the wagon this time.
So long, caffeine. I want my brain back.
Total Comments 12
Comments
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yikes.Posted 10-23-2009 at 10:32 AM by mixedmedia
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I kicked the habit over a year ago..
feel so much better after I got past the first week..
good luck manPosted 10-23-2009 at 10:43 AM by guccilvr
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In a city with a Starbucks or a Tim Horton's ever 200 feet (or so it seems)? Good luck... you'll need it, lol.
Personally, I had much more luck giving up alcohol than caffeine. I hope you succed.Posted 10-23-2009 at 11:25 AM by GreyWolf 
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Good timing! I'm on day 4 of being caffeine free. Like you, I've done it before, most of the time for a week or two, once for 3 months, but eventually I'm back to drinking pop an average of once or twice a day.
I have a bit of an oral fixation, so I've found chewing gum helps keep my mouth busy, and when I do drink something I've been having milk, juice, and the occasional ginger ale. I'm more concerned about kicking caffeine than I am about kicking pop right now, but luckily I can't stand the taste of diet or caffeine-free pop, so my choices are rather limited now.
So, let's see how far we can make it, eh?
Posted 10-23-2009 at 12:19 PM by SecretMethod70
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Cool, Smeth.
I'm on Day 2. It should get easier on the weekend. In the past, 3 days have been the worst of it.
Good luck, man!
* * * * *
Thanks, everyone.Posted 10-23-2009 at 12:42 PM by Baraka_Guru
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How much coffee would you drink on an average day?Posted 10-23-2009 at 01:10 PM by fresnelly
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My average was about 16 oz. (2 cups) of strongly brewed coffee. My estimate put that at around 300 to 400 mg of caffeine, if not more.
Then there are some periods where I'd have twice that each day—so 600 to 800 mg.Posted 10-23-2009 at 01:27 PM by Baraka_Guru
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Be strong, my friend. I can't stand having an inanimate object hold power over me.Posted 10-23-2009 at 01:29 PM by Redlemon
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Especially when it gets to the point that you consume it not for pleasure, but for "need."
It's just incredible how widespread the consumption of caffeine is.
I can't remember where I heard or read it, but someone in jest (or maybe not) said that if caffeine were to be discovered today, it would be banned.Posted 10-23-2009 at 01:39 PM by Baraka_Guru
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Quote:Originally Posted by Caffeine, Lord of the WorkforceYou'll be back, sucka.Posted 10-23-2009 at 03:30 PM by Plan9
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I can take it or leave it, fortunately.
Can't imagine detoxing off it from former
habit of 16oz a day.
I love rooibos red tea, mmmm....Posted 10-23-2009 at 04:33 PM by noodle
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I read in Men's Health that if you want to give up coffee, you probably should reduce your intake about 10% each week until you no longer need it. This will probably reduce withdrawals symptoms like headaches and fatigue. I might do it in the future, but my last attempt at giving up coffee lasted only five hours since I developed a serious migraine and had no energy to do anything.Posted 10-23-2009 at 06:20 PM by Jove
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