I have always been a coffee lover, but now I’ve given it up for good. Popping a pod into my Nespresso machine and indulging in a frothy coconut latte used to be one of the highlights of my day. Adding a splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup or half a teaspoon of brown sugar, I was all set to face the day head-on. Since my teenage years, I’ve always kick-started the day with a coffee but when health reasons forced me to abandon my morning routine, I was at a loss for how to cope.
Switching to tea, which also packs a caffeine punch, wasn’t an option so I had to confront one of my biggest fears: going cold turkey. I never considered my daily morning coffee to be a particularly harmful habit. In fact, as reported by the Express, consuming two to five cups of coffee a day has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and depression, according to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
So, when I began experiencing withdrawal symptoms after missing my morning coffee for two days, I was taken aback. A throbbing headache and feeling unusually drowsy during the day were the main symptoms, along with increased irritability. A quick Google search confirmed what I was going through: caffeine withdrawal. At this juncture, I could see why it would be tempting to cave in and enjoy a creamy latte but I was resolute in wanting to stick to my goals.
After a few days, the withdrawal symptoms subsided and I began to feel more energised. Instead of clinging to the belief that I “needed” coffee, I switched to starting my day with a large glass of water. This proved not only more refreshing in the warm weather but also more hydrating. Yet, the most significant change I’ve noticed since quitting coffee is the improvement in my sleep quality.
I’ve always struggled to fall asleep, being a light sleeper. While I was aware that coffee might be a factor, I often blamed other reasons such as eating late, insufficient exercise, or too much screen time before bed. What I hadn’t considered was the impact of caffeine on increasing anxiety levels and disrupting sleep by blocking adenosine, a chemical that aids in sleep regulation. Now, I find myself falling asleep quickly after going to bed. My sleep is not only quicker to come but also deeper and more restorative, leading to earlier mornings and increased productivity.
And along the way, I’ve managed to find some delicious alternatives that might just be better than the real thing. Matcha Tea Powder is one such alternative. While still containing caffeine, matcha offers a more prolonged energy boost as it’s absorbed slower. Another option is a Turmeric latte, also known as ‘golden milk’, which boasts numerous health benefits. Decaf coffee and Gingerbread chai tea are also delicious alternatives worth considering. Peppermint tea is another great choice, packed with antioxidants and offering digestive benefits.
Giving up coffee has had a positive impact on my life overall, from improved sleep to discovering new and healthier alternatives. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. While I may still crave a latte from time to time, I know that I am better off without it.