Physical Changes
After stopping my coffee drinking habit, I found that my body and mind changed drastically. I had more energy during the day and felt that I was able to better concentrate for longer periods of time. Studies have shown that coffee can actually strip the body of important nutrients, leading to feelings of fatigue and mental sluggishness. After cutting out my coffee I found that I spent less time reaching for that third cup of joe and was able to stay energized throughout the day.
Coffee also increases anxiety, so quitting the habit had a positive psychological impact as well. I started feeling calmer and noticed that I no longer stressed the same amount over small, insignificant things. Stress levels were reduced and I was better able to handle the inevitable bumps in the road of life without letting them throw my emotions off-kilter.
Sleep
Quitting coffee had a major impact on my sleep as well. Since caffeine is a stimulant, I found that I had been consuming it at times when really my body needed to rest and recharge. After saying goodbye to coffee, I noticed that I was able to fall asleep quicker, sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Naturally, I observed a dramatic increase in productivity during my waking hours as well. Forgoing coffee allowed my body to function on it’s natural rhythms, giving me an uninterrupted and restful sleep.
Nutritional Intake
As I mentioned earlier, coffee does strip the body of key nutrients and minerals. Once I stopped drinking coffee, I found that I was able to eat a balanced and healthy diet. I felt that I was now consuming all the nutritional foods that I was supposed to in order to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
In addition, I found that I no longer felt the need to reach for unhealthy snacks or comfort food when I hit that afternoon slump. Coffee contains sugar and creamers, which can have a serious negative impact on blood sugar levels. Therefore, once I stopped drinking coffee, I observed an improvement in my blood sugar levels and overall health.
Mental Clarity
The most noticeable change I observed after cutting coffee out of my life was a significant increase in mental clarity. Coffee can be somewhat of a mental fog, lowering my mental concentration and ability to focus.
Without coffee and its potential for clouding judgement and cognitive abilities, I was able to focus more clearly and make better decisions. I found that I was better able to remember tasks and stay on top of my work and responsibilities with ease.
Social Impact
I found that my social life and relationships improved after stopping my coffee drinking habit. Coffee can make a person jittery and this is off-putting in social situations. Caffeine also triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. So, for me, the thought of attending social events often had me reaching for the coffee pot to calm my nerves.
By quitting coffee, I found that I was much more relaxed in social settings, and my relationships with friends and family members improved as a result. I was able to enjoy conversations and connect with people in a much more meaningful way.
Financial Impact
Another positive effect of quitting coffee was the financial benefit. I found that my coffee drinking habit had become a drain on my wallet. Needless to say, I was cutting down on the amount of coffee I was purchasing and experiencing significant cost savings.
I was also now making better, healthier lifestyle choices that had previously been difficult to maintain due to my coffee habit. As a result, I was now spending my money on more nutritious food, more energizing activities, and experiences that supported my overall well-being.
Clinical Evidence
Numerous studies have demonstrated that an excessive consumption of coffee can lead to a variety of negative health effects, including insomnia, deformed sleep architecture, fatigue, headache, irritability, anxiety and palpitations.
However, simply reducing or eliminating the amount of coffee one consumes can significantly reduce the risks associated with it. For example, one recent study showed that participants who reduced their coffee consumption saw an improvement in resting heart rate, improved alertness and lower levels of oxidative stress. Thus, reducing or eliminating excessive coffee consumption may offer some well documented health benefits.
Mood
The decision to quit coffee had a huge impact on my mood. More specifically, I found that my mood shifts and the instances of anxiety I previously experienced seemed to dissipate. I had more energy during the normal day and was less inclined to engage in negative self-talk and spiral into mental chaos.
I wasn’t reaching for the coffee to mask my emotions but facing them head-on in a healthy way. I was more patient and understanding of myself and found I was better able to forgive myself and let go of the past.
Cravings
I was surprised to find out how strong the cravings for coffee had become. It was almost like my body and mind had become accustomed to the regular intake of caffeine. It took a good two weeks of struggling with the cravings before I finally felt that I had overcome the initial urge for coffee.
To help curb the craving, I began drinking herbal tea, green tea and warm/cold lemon drinks. I also used aromatherapy to relax my mind in moments of weakness and temptation. Journaling also helped me to stay connected to my thoughts and feelings throughout the quitting process.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Quitting coffee had a huge impact on my lifestyle. I was no longer bound to a coffee routine and had more energy and enthusiasm to engage in activities and experiences that I wouldn’t have had time for before.
I found that I had more time during the day to engage in activities that restored my mental, physical and emotional well-being. I was able to focus on my diet, get to the gym and make healthier lifestyle choices. This, in turn, had positive repercussions on my personal and professional development.
Rebounding Effect
It’s worth noting that when I did decide to drink coffee again, the effects were not as strong as before I quit. In other words, my body had become accustomed to the lack of caffeine once I had given it up for a few weeks and I was able to sustain the positive effects for a longer period of time than I had previously been able to.
Therefore, the old adage of quitters never winning again was not true here. If anything, I was winning and I had grown to appreciate coffee in a new way; a way that welcomed the occasional cup without feeling afraid of the potential harm it could cause.
Conclusion
After stopping my coffee drinking habit, I experienced a variety of changes in my physical, mental and emotional health. I had more energy during the day and noticed improvements in my sleep and mood. I also saw improvements in my social, financial and nutritional habits, as well as in my overall well-being.
Overall, quitting coffee was a decision I am thankful I made and one I would highly recommend to all coffee lovers out there.
