Immediate Effects
Most of us would probably recognize the feeling of a Monday after the weekend, when you reach for the coffee cup for that jolt of energy to get through the start of the week. Now imagine what would happen if you stop drinking coffee? Well, firstly, it wouldn’t be great – you’ll likely have some withdrawal symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Caffeine is a stimulant, and suddenly halting such can cause headaches, lethargic feelings, fuzzy thinking, increased irritability, and even fatigue.
Since coffee is also a source of water, quitting can also lead to dehydration. Eliminating coffee can also affect your sleep cycles, as the stimulant interferes with naturally occurring hormones that regulate sleep, like melatonin. Rebound insomnia can occur if someone cuts out the coffee too quickly, leading to an inability to sleep or restful sleep.
Long Term Repercussions
These issues might seem minor, but over time they can lead to bigger problems. Chronic dehydration can cause damage to organs and increase the risk of kidney stones and other kidney issues, and recurring insomnia can lower productivity and effectiveness. Without the increased energy levels provided by caffeine, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus.
This lack of focus and energy can also cause issues with your work and other commitments throughout life. You may have trouble with physical tasks like working or even just performing the everyday tasks required for life. You are more likely to experience fatigue and irritability, and this can lead to problems in both your personal and professional life.
Impact On Mental Health
And while that might seem like a simple matter of willpower, it is important to remember that the effects of giving up coffee are more than just physical. Caffeine can also impair mental health, with quitting coffee having a past of depression, anxiety, and low mood, as well as other mental health issues. This is even more pronounced if you’re also feeling fatigued and overwhelmed due to the physical symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.
Those who struggle with addictions or who have mental health issues such as depression should be particularly aware of the impacts of coffee on their mental wellbeing. The Mayo Clinic suggests gradually tapering down your intake of coffee over the course of a week to limit the intensity of the withdrawal effects.
Effect on Performance
While coffee might provide a “quick fix” to keep you going through the day and evening, it can cause more harm than good in the long run. Caffeine increases your heart and breathing rate, as well as raising your body temperature, all of which can lead to exhaustion. This reduces your physical capabilities, with the effects ranging from poor athletic performance to a lack of stamina on a long hike.
The stimulation brought on by coffee can lead to additional health issues, even outside of physical performance issues. Caffeine raises your metabolism, leading to more frequent urination and dehydration. It can also create nutrient deficiency symptoms or affect your skin, making it drier.
Effect on Cognitive Functions
We all know that coffee gives us an energy boost, but it also has serious impacts on our cognitive functions. Studies have shown that long-term caffeine use can impact our alertness, attention span, and memory — meaning the performance of those who are dependent on coffee could start to suffer. Furthermore, studies have found that the effects of long-term caffeine use have implications for the brain’s blood flow, in addition to hindering learning and memory.
The truth is that for all the positive impacts of coffee use, there are also serious issues. Quitting your morning cup of coffee can cause physical, mental and performance-related issues, and gradually decreasing your intake over the course of a week is recommended in order to avoid any serious repercussions.
Impact on Health
Coffee is best enjoyed in moderation. So while the occasional cup of coffee can be beneficial, the health impacts of giving up coffee are more meaningful. Without coffee, you’re likely to experience physical tiredness, slower metabolism, nutrient deficiencies, and other side-effects associated with the effects of caffeine withdrawal.
However, it is important to note that there have been conflicting reports about coffee’s impact on health. Recent studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption can potentially reduce the risk of various diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Coffee has also been linked to a decrease in the risk of developing depression, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and heart disease. It is not clear if any of these effects are due to the caffeine or other components of coffee, but the reports do point to some potential medical benefits.
Effect on Energy
Coffee is a stimulant and has been proven to provide an energy boost — just think of the Monday morning jolt you get after your cup of joe. If you stop drinking coffee, you don’t get that same pick-me-up. Without that energy boost, you could feel sluggish and less likely to take on tasks that require energy and focus.
In order to substitute the energy boost of coffee, it is important to ensure you’re getting enough water, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a healthy diet, full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help you bridge the gap left by quitting coffee. Exercising daily is also recommended, as regular physical activity helps reduce fatigue and boosts energy levels.
Impact on Diet
A common misconception is that coffee is calorie-free and can be a part of a healthy diet. While coffee on its own is calorie-free, that does not mean coffee-based drinks contain no calories. Often coffee shops add in syrups and whole or 2% milk, all of which can add significant caloric content to your coffee.
Cutting out coffee can help someone maintain a healthy diet. With coffee, it is easy to over-indulge and not realize the amount of additional sugars and additives that are added in. Without coffee, you can maintain a healthier diet and get more nutrients from the food you eat.
Impact On The Environment
We all know that coffee has its benefits, yet few of us think about the environmental impact of coffee consumption. Coffee production can be a beneficial part of farming, as the coffee beans can help return nutrients to the soil as well provide shade for other crop plants. But coffee production is not without its downsides.
Coffee production uses large amounts of water and chemicals which can eventually find their way into local water sources and impact the local environment. Coffee producers can be sustainable, but it is not always the case. Giving up coffee can help ensure that you are not contributing to the water consumption that coffee production requires.
Impact on Stress Levels
Coffee has stimulant properties that can help some people maintain high energy levels. Yet, surprisingly, coffee can also be a relaxing and calming beverage. Especially when preparing coffee on a French press or in a pour over, the ritual of making coffee can be quite calming.
The scent of coffee roasting, the sound of beans grinding, the swish of steaming milk, and the sweet aroma of an espresso all contribute to an atmosphere of relaxation. For some, preparing coffee can be a therapeutic ritual – and without coffee, this ritual would be lost.
Impact on Long-term Habits
In order to reap the true benefits of quitting coffee, it is important to create new habits instead of just replacing them with sugary snacks or energy drinks. Consider opting for a low-calorie beverage, like green tea, which will provide some of the same levels of energy and focus as coffee — minus the jitteriness.
If you’re feeling the midday fatigue, opt instead for a healthy snack full of natural sugars, like an apple or some dates, to give you a boost. Exercise can also be helpful to amp up your energy levels, as it releases endorphins – natural chemicals that make you feel energized and happy.
Impact on Mental Clarity
Finally, many people who quit coffee report improved mental clarity and alertness. This makes sense since coffee is a stimulant, and those who have drank coffee for whatever reason have often become dependent on the energy boost for their mental focus. While the morning cup of coffee was initially used as a pick-me-up, over time it can start to have diminishing returns, leading to fatigue and difficulty focusing.
Without the stimulants, people reported a clearer head and the ability to focus longer and with more concentration. Giving up coffee allows the body to take things at a more natural pace and helps to establish good wake/sleep cycles. With more natural wake/sleep cycles, people can set their internal clocks and wake up more alert and refreshed which can lead to higher levels of productivity.
