Background Information and Relevant Data
Coffee is an incredibly popular drink all over the world, with a reported 2.25 billion cups of coffee taken every day. It gives people an extra boost of energy and can help them focus better during the day. However, many people struggle with anxiety when drinking coffee, due to its stimulating effects on the body. This can lead to restlessness, and further anxiety, making it difficult to take coffee in a healthy and beneficial way.
Most coffee drinks contain caffeine, a known stimulant which can cause certain people to suffer from negative side effects. According to a survey conducted by Healthline, as many as 64% of caffeine consumers have reported experiencing some sort of anxiety or jitters from their coffee drinking habit. While it’s important to note that caffeine affects people differently, for some individuals, it can have an adverse effect on their mental health. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to enjoy coffee without the anxiety.
Choose the Right Coffee for You
The key to drinking coffee without getting anxiety is to choose the right coffee for you. Many types of coffee contain different levels of caffeine, and some with none at all. For instance, decaffeinated coffee has been processed to remove all of the caffeine, while drip coffee contains the most caffeine. Cold brew coffee contains less caffeine than drip, while espresso has much more caffeine than other types.
It is important to note that organic coffee has been known to contain up to 1.5 times more caffeine than non-organic coffee, so it’s important to purchase the right type of coffee for you. If you are prone to anxiety, then choosing decaffeinated coffee or cold brew would be your best bet.
Stick to a Regular Schedule
In order to drink coffee without getting anxious, it’s important to stick to a regular schedule when it comes to your coffee drinking. Don’t drink coffee too late in the day, as the caffeine can have a stimulating effect that can last for several hours. If you do drink coffee late in the day, it could interfere with your sleep and make you feel anxious.
Additionally, try to keep to the same time each day for your coffee, so that your body can fall into a routine. This helps to regulate the stimulating effects of the caffeine, and keeps your body in a state of balance and harmony.
Drink Tea
If you are looking for an alternative to coffee that won’t give you anxiety, then you should consider drinking tea instead. Tea contains far less caffeine than coffee, and is usually more relaxing. There are many different types of tea, each with different flavors and health benefits. Look for a tea that is herbal and calming, such as chamomile or lavender.
When drinking tea, consider using natural sweeteners such as honey, stevia, or agave to sweeten it. As for milk, use almond or coconut milk, or even oat milk, for a dairy free alternative.
Limit Your Consumption
In order to enjoy your coffee without experiencing anxiety, make sure you are limiting your consumption. Caffeine can linger in the body for several hours, so it’s important to know how much is too much. Try to limit your daily intake of coffee to two cups or less, and make sure you are taking breaks between drinks.
You should also be mindful of any other sources of caffeine in your diet, such as energy drinks. Try to avoid these, as they can have an even more powerful stimulating effect.
Exercise and Relaxation
It’s important to practice good self-care when it comes to drinking coffee. Taking regular exercise and engaging in relaxation techniques can do wonders for reducing anxiety. Exercise helps to release endorphins, which helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while relaxation techniques can help to clear your head of any negative or distracting thoughts.
You might also want to consider meditation to control your anxiety. This can help to reduce stress and bring a sense of calm to your mind and body.
Avoiding Anxiety Triggers
In addition to reducing your intake of coffee, it is important to stay away from coffee related anxiety triggers. This means avoiding coffee houses and other public places where coffee is often consumed. If you are prone to feeling anxious, then it’s best to stick to drinking coffee in the comfort and peace of your own home.
You should also be mindful of what and when you are drinking coffee. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating healthy snacks to help minimize the effects of coffee. Try to avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach, as this can often cause feelings of anxiety or jitters.
Listen to Your Body
Above all else, it is important to listen to your body when it comes to drinking coffee. Everyone is different and will experience different effects from coffee. If you feel that coffee is having an adverse effect on your mental health, then it’s best to avoid drinking it all together. Speak to a doctor or health professional if you have any concerns.
Taking steps towards better self-care is essential when it comes to drinking coffee without getting anxious. Pay attention to how you are feeling after drinking coffee and make changes to your routine if necessary. This way, you can enjoy your coffee without experiencing any of the negative side effects.
