I love coffee, and I mean real love. Nothing brings me more comfort than waking up in the morning and having my cup of warm, sugary goodness. But I had to ghost my beloved muse.
Let me start out by saying, I drank coffee every single morning since probably the ninth grade. I didn’t start out a coffee addict, but working thirty hours per week immersed in senior year projects began to wear me down and I found myself drinking about three to four cups a day just a few months ago. The worst part is… I didn’t even enjoy my relationship with coffee anymore. It no longer gave me a boost, but instead spiked my energy for an hour or so and then I would spiral into sleepiness.
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Over spring break, I returned to my parents’ home to my nightmare: a kitchen that was fresh out of coffee and creamer. This is the single recorded time in history that laziness ended well for me. I didn’t go to the grocery store to restock on my fix.
By the time Spring quarter started, I had nine days behind me without any coffee. I figured, why not keep going and see what happens? These are the top four things I noticed after giving up my relationship with a daily dose of morning caffeine.
- I pee way, way less.
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As someone who’s into fitness and nutrition, I aim to drink around three to four liters of water everyday. At some point, I thought I might have to cut down because of how much I had to run to the bathroom. I could not sit through a class without getting up at least once!
Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which means it makes you need to pee more! When I stopped drinking coffee and stuck to just water, I would say I cut my frequent bathroom trips in half.
- I don’t get headaches from too much or too little caffeine.
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Just like stopping anything our bodies are adjusted to or emotionally attached to, there are some withdrawal effects. Before I decided to cut coffee out of my everyday routine, I couldn’t tell if my mid-day headache was because I had too much or too little caffeine that day.
Now, my regular headaches have disappeared.
- I found healthier swaps.
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Part of why coffee brought so much comfort to me is because I used it to warm me up in the mornings when I rolled out of bed. Who doesn’t love a cozy, hot coffee or cocoa on a cold morning to start the day?
As I searched for a new partner to cuddle me each morning, I decided to try hot water with lemon and honey. While herbal teas are a great option too, I liked the freshness of lemon water and found a way to get hydrated the second I wake up. Try something new out for yourself and find a new warm drink that fits what you like.
- My love affair with coffee got stronger.
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Even though I cut coffee out of my everyday routine, I didn’t eliminate it all together. I allow myself coffee a few times a week, or just when I really want some. You should never limit yourself from something you want and can’t stop thinking about. Moderation is key. When I do choose to indulge with coffee, I make sure I’m drinking it for the taste and experience rather than the pick-me-up.
If you love coffee, keep on keeping on! I truly thought I would be the last person on Earth to cut coffee out , but it was the right choice for my body and lifestyle. Now, I don’t feel guilty treating myself to a five dollar Starbucks latte because I know it’s a treat. If water is my nine to five, coffee is my weekend.