What Happens When You Stop Drinking Tea and Coffee
It’s not an exaggeration to say that tea and coffee have become an integral part of today’s culture. From the morning energy boost to the afternoon pick-me-up, many of us are so used to downing cups of coffee and tea throughout the day that it’s hard to imagine life without them.
However, the truth is that tea and coffee are some of the most stimulating beverages around: Caffeine, in particular, is known to increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and even improve cognition. But while they can provide a welcome mental and physical boost, they do come with some potential drawbacks.
In some cases, too much caffeine can cause irritability and insomnia, and can also lead to health issues over time. That’s why some people choose to take a break from drinking tea and coffee and see what happens to their body and mind. Here’s what those who have taken this plunge have to say about the experience.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re an avid tea or coffee drinker, you’ve probably noticed that after you quit drinking them you can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In fact, Davis et al. (2013) found that most participants in their study experienced “sleep disturbances, low mood, and reduced concentration”. These symptoms can last up to two weeks and can be so unpleasant that some people go back to drinking tea and coffee before the end of their break.
In order to transition as smoothly as possible when one cuts down their caffeine intake, some experts like Dr. Jonathan Fader, clinical psychologist and nutritionist, suggest going cold-turkey rather than cutting down gradually. According to him, drinking less and less, “can be just as uncomfortable as jumping right off the caffeine bandwagon”. His advice? Make a plan and stick with it, no matter how hard it gets.
Performance boost
When drinking tea and coffee, it’s easy to get so used to the effect that we don’t realize how much it affects our performance. After all, caffeine is a natural stimulant: it enhances focus and alertness, instills confidence and boosts motivation – all of which can lead to improved performance. So when you stop drinking it, you may actually find that you’re able to concentrate better.
What’s more, a study conducted by Gerkema, et al. (2013) found that when looking for a boost in performance, people should look beyond caffeine. They ran an experiment in which some of their participants had caffeine and some didn’t, and surprisingly, the group that didn’t have caffeine significantly outperformed the group that did.
This suggests that looking for other ways to boost your performance, besides caffeine, may be more beneficial in the long run.
Improved Energy Levels
One of the biggest benefits of quitting tea and coffee is that you can begin to observe the actual effects of things like diet, exercise, and rest on your energy levels. After years of using caffeine to keep going, you’ll start to notice that your energy levels are actually more consistent, and there won’t be such big fluctuations throughout the day.
Studies have also found that quitting caffeine can lead to an increase in physical energy. For instance, one study conducted by Rush et al. (2011) found that after removing caffeine from their participants’ diets for 6 weeks, their physical activity levels increased by 13%. The participants also reported feeling increasingly energized.
Better Sleep Quality
The effects of caffeine don’t just stop at giving you an energy boost. In fact, studies have linked caffeine to poor sleep quality, even when it is consumed earlier in the day. Studies have shown that consuming caffeine more than 6 hours before bed time can still have lasting effects on sleep.
Neumeister et al. (2012) have even found that habitual coffee drinkers require more time to fall asleep and that they have reduced total sleep time. This is because caffeine interferes with melatonin production and prevents the body from entering its natural sleep cycle.
So if you’ve been having issues sleeping, it may be worth cutting out tea and coffee and finding other ways to get your energy boosts throughout the day. You might be surprised by the result.
Increased Creativity and Focus
Some studies have found that, apart from boosting physical energy, chronic caffeine consumption may also have an adverse effect on creativity and focus. For instance, De Rose et al. (2011) conducted an experiment in which some of their participants consumed caffeine and some didn’t, and asked them to complete a task involving creative problem solving. The results showed that those who hadn’t consumed caffeine that day performed better.
So if you’re looking to be more creative in your work, it may be worth considering a break from tea and coffee. Of course, it’s important to note that everyone is different, so it’s best to experiment and find out what works for you.
Energy Alternatives
If you’re used to the quick energy boost you get from tea and coffee, you’ll need to find other ways to stay energized without caffeine. Instead of relying on these drinks, try healthier alternatives, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, or even taking natural energy-boosting supplements.
Some experts suggest trying out these alternatives and find what works best for you. For example, try eating nutrient-rich snacks like nuts, fruits, and seeds throughout the day, exercising regularly and even taking natural energy boosters like maca root or ginseng.
Finally, be sure to get enough rest and take time for yourself to relax and recharge. Reducing stress and focusing on doing things that bring you joy can have a major impact on your mental and physical energy levels.
Time Management Skills: Finding More Hours in the Day
Time management is another tool that can be used to increase your energy and productivity levels. Taking the time to plan and prioritize your activities can help you stay focused and organized, making it easier to maximize the time you do have.
But it’s important to note that time management is more than just a time-saving exercise. It’s also a way to stay motivated and to make sure you’re productive and focused on the tasks that are most important to you.
There are a few key steps to effective time management. Firstly, create a to-do list of your tasks so that you can easily refer to them. Secondly, set realistic but challenging goals and break them down into smaller tasks. And finally, give yourself regular breaks and remember to relax and recharge.
Healthier Habits
Making the switch from tea and coffee to healthier alternatives can be challenging but it’s also a great way to form healthier habits. Start by finding out what you actually enjoy drinking and then try to make that your go-to beverage. You can also work on drinking more water throughout the day and experimenting with different types of tea.
It’s also important to get into a regular routine and to keep yourself accountable. You can do this by setting an alarm for when it’s time to do certain tasks, or keeping track of your progress in a journal or on a calendar.
Remember, it’s also OK to relax from time to time: Taking time to rest and recharge is just as important as maintaining a regular work schedule.
Conclusion
Making the switch from tea and coffee is no easy feat, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will you be able to reduce the amount of caffeine you’re consuming, you’ll also be able to form healthier habits and enjoy a wider range of energy-boosting alternatives. Plus, you’ll be able to get a better night’s sleep, increase your focus and creativity, and even save yourself some money.
