The Caffeine Conundrum [to drink, or not to drink?]
In a recent article I sent out, I mentioned my journey with coffee and my choice to switch to drinking Dandy Blend. Enough folks responded with enthusiasm and curiosity in kind that I wanted to circle back with a full love letter devoted to what we'll call the caffeine conundrum.
First and foremost, I'll plainly state my personal reality when it comes to caffeine and energy:
My best levels of energy occur when I'm completely off caffeine (and past the detox phase).
Disclaimer: my best friends and my beloved are coffee disciples. This isn’t a judgement or an attempt to convince you.
Rather, it’s a query to chew upon. This is relevant for you if your body ever gives you feedback that coffee or caffeine isn’t working too well…
That feedback might look like specific symptoms you experience physically, emotionally or energetically.
When I am fully aboard the caffeine train, I experience headaches, fatigue, moodiness, faster heart rate, increased anxiety, nervousness and generally more agitation.
Of course, you only find this sort of thing out by giving something a break, and then coming back to it. Back in 2018, Ben and I did a 3-month elimination diet. Before that, I was a steady coffee drinker. Since then, I've taken long periods away, returned for short spells, then stepped back again. Call it an on-again-off-again affair.
But what's becoming clearer to me is the slightly sad but simple truth that as I age, I can't get away with the stuff I did even 5 years ago. Long gone are the days of daily coffee, multiple glasses of wine before bed, or even too much dairy or sugar.
My body tells me, not too subtly either, what is acceptable and what is not. In fact, I believe that all of our bodies are constantly telling us what they need in order to thrive.
The challenge is learning how to listen, and then actually respond in kind.
If this is hitting a chord (which might mean you feel pretty annoyed with me right now, or you're feeling a tug on a truth-string inside you somewhere), I feel you. Breathe, and remember that baby steps are the best way to go when considering a lifestyle change.
You might reconsider your caffeine habits if you:
struggle with any of the symptoms I listed above.
experience insomnia.
are entering a stressful period.
already suffer from an overly active sympathetic nervous system (aka fight or flight, stress, cortisol, anxiety).
are currently processing trauma.
If you decide to reconsider your caff-habit, become the mad scientist of your own body laboratory, and do what I call a food experiment.
Step one of the experiment: Make a decision and set a date for your experimental phase.
Put it on your calendar, tell your friends or family that you live with so you have support and accountability. Make sure to tell at least one person that you know will fully understand + cheer you on in your efforts.
Step two of the experiment: survive the Detox phase.
If you're going to go caffeine free, get clear from the start that the detox phase is both necessary and awful. It won't be that fun. You'll probably feel tired, cranky, headachy and maybe constipated (lots of us rely on coffee for healthy movements) which will make you want to abandon the whole thing and convince yourself that this is totally stupid and pointless. Stay in the light, my friend! The detox phase only lasts a few days. Make sure to eat clean, stay very hydrated, and support yourself with other energy-boosting compounds (foods, supplements, essential oils, exercise, etc.)
Step three of the experiment: Stay caffeine-free for two full weeks after the detox phase is complete.
This gives you enough time post-detox to really experience what it's like to not use caffeine. Journal daily about your mood and your energy. Notice how you feel. Do not even touch any form of caffeine, or your experiment will be tainted. Drink herbal teas, and try out some alternative morning beverages.
Note: Because we all know the importance of ritual, it's important to replace your coffee with something else delicious!
Like rolling and smoking a cigarette, there’s something about making that cup of coffee and enjoying it. For a coffee drinker, simply throwing a tea bag in a mug of hot water just doesn’t cut it. My picks are Dandy Blend or Teeccino.
You can also experiment with other gentle stimulants: maca powder, medicinal mushrooms (lions mane, reishi, chaga…), and cacao are all non-caff options.
Once you're beyond the two-week mark, you can decide for yourself how you feel and cast your own vote on coffee. If you want to play with something with a little kick (read: these contain caffeine, so it could be a slippery slope from here if you’re not intentional), play with matcha or yerba maté (variations of green tea).
Step four of your experiment: send me an email and let me know how it went!
As someone who's undergone this experiment multiple times, I'm so with you. I'm here to cheer you on and support you, whatever the outcome.
Let me reiterate on more time, bc this is important...
You’re not bad for drinking coffee. It’s the true fuel that runs America!
But let's speak truth: it's an addictive substance.
This love letter isn’t to shame you into making a different choice. Rather, I invite you to tune into your BODY.
Ask it what it wants, what is working or not working. Ask it how it feels.
Making decisions with our mind, our surface-level desires and impulses can get us into trouble.
Does your inner Sage truly benefit from a daily cuppa? That’s the answer that counts.
Reach out if you need support. I’m with you.
A warm yummy cup in my hand, cheers-ing your thriving
