Many people claim to have an addiction to coffee.Having more than one cup of coffee a day can cause a number of health problems.If you want to take control of your java addiction, you may be tired of having nonstop coffee cravings.Prepare yourself for the withdrawal symptoms of cutting out coffee from your diet and use a replacement beverage to satisfy your cravings.It is possible to maintain your coffee free lifestyle permanently.
Step 1: Slowly give up coffee.
If you drink a lot of coffee, you may want to take a break over a period of time.It will be easier for your body to get used to less coffee because of this.Adults can have up to 400mg of caffeine per day, which is about 4 to 5 cups of coffee, according to the FDA.Start by limiting yourself to 2 or 3 cups a day, and then lower it to 1 or 0 as you can.
Step 2: Try to get rid of it.
For example, no coffee for a week, you can challenge yourself to cold turkey.During the first five to seven days of quitting coffee, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.Coffee cold turkey can be a good challenge if you want to get rid of the habit.You can do a no coffee challenge with a friend, where you both cold turkey and support each other as you go through the withdrawal symptoms.
Step 3: You will feel slow, foggy and unable to concentrate.
When you don't have coffee for a couple of days, you may start to feel tired and foggy in the morning.If you have three or four cups of coffee a day at set times, you may feel sleepy or distracted.These are all symptoms of withdrawal.Coffee withdrawal can cause some people to experience shaking and sweating.Prepare yourself for the symptoms so you can get through the day.
Step 4: Fight withdrawal headaches with water.
Staying hydrated with lots of water can help with withdrawal headaches.Try to replace all the cups of coffee with water.Over the counter painkillers can be used if your headaches are unbearable.Only take the recommended amount of the painkiller if you follow the instructions on the label.
Step 5: You should sleep off your withdrawal symptoms.
It's a good idea to sleep to fight off withdrawal symptoms.During the first few days of giving up coffee, you may go to bed earlier than usual.It is possible to fit in 30 minute naps during the day so your body can recover from the lack of coffee and sleep off headaches.melatonin can be taken if you are struggling to sleep due to withdrawal symptoms.melatonin can be purchased over the counter at your pharmacy.You should see your doctor if you have any health issues.
Step 6: You can take medication or see a doctor.
If you have coffee withdrawal headaches, you should take medication and rest.If your headaches become so bad that you need prescription medication, you may want to see your doctor.Coffee withdrawal can cause headaches because it changes the blood flow and electrical activity in your brain.After a few days of no coffee, your brain will get used to the lack of coffee and adjust accordingly.
Step 7: Exercise and meditation can help deal with stress.
If you used coffee as a way to deal with stress, you may need to find other ways to work through it.You can replace your morning cup of coffee with a morning run or walk.You can take a morning yoga class to get you set for the day.If you're not able to have coffee, you can try meditating for five minutes.If you want to sit in a comfortable position, look for a quiet, dim area.Think of a place that is calm and relaxing.This could be a beach, a mountain view, or even your bedroom in the morning.Try to be still for five minutes.Exercise and meditation can distract you from coffee cravings.If you want to get your mind off coffee, you can do a meditation, walk or run.
Step 8: Have some tea.
Herbal tea is one of the more popular replacements for coffee.If you want an herbal tea that is free of caffeine, you can choose from either green tea or chamomile tea.Herbal teas can be nice to have in the mornings and throughout the day as they give you something warm and calming to sip, but are still light and do not make you feel buzzed.It has been shown that tea is good for you.If you decide to switch to herbal tea, you should try several different types of tea to find one that suits you.You can choose between a light tea for the mornings and a heavier tea in the afternoon.You can have a lighter tea at night to help you sleep.
Step 9: Try hot water.
Though hot water may seem like a sad replacement for coffee, it can help to keep you hydrated throughout the day and give you the illusion of sipping a warm cup of java.You can add a slice of lemon or orange to the hot water to give it some flavor, but be careful if you have acid reflux or stomach ulcers, as the citrus can irritate your stomach acid.
Step 10: Have dark chocolate.
If you don't have a cup of coffee, dark chocolate can be a good pick me up.It's a good idea to have a small piece of dark chocolate when you feel a drop in energy, especially during the early stages of going without coffee.If you are able to go seven days without coffee, you can have a piece of dark chocolate as a treat.
Step 11: Allow yourself to smell coffee.
Don't limit yourself from being in coffee shops or smelling coffee.Even if it isn't for you, the smell of a fresh cup can be comforting.It's possible to miss out on meeting up with friends at a coffee shop because of the social qualities of coffee.If you want to meet up with your friends at the local java spot, you should use an herbal tea or hot water instead of your regular coffee order.You still get the social benefits of talking over a hot beverage, even if you don't drink coffee.
Step 12: Prepare your replacement beverage with a ritual.
You may not know about the ritual of preparing your first cup of coffee in the morning.If you want your replacement beverage to feel as important as your cup of coffee, make a ritual out of it.You may end up enjoying your replacement beverage more over time because you can prepare it and make it your own.If your replacement beverage is tea, you should know how to brew it properly.You can brew tea with a basket, which you can place in a teapot or travel mug.
Step 13: You will feel refreshed and calm once you notice.
Many people report back with a sense of calm and well-being.You could give up coffee completely if you get through the withdrawal symptoms.You can cut back on coffee but still drink it.It may mean only having tea one day and then one cup of coffee the following day.If you want to give up coffee for one month, you can cycle through your coffee habit.You can gradually drink more coffee to build up your tolerance.If you drink coffee on a consistent basis, you can get used to the effects of caffeine in your body.It is possible to maintain a balanced body by cycling through your coffee habit.