Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant and is also the the most widely taken psychoactive stimulant in the world. The drug caffeine increases the activity in your brain which is why we use it to get a lift in alertness and energy.
This sounds great! But there is a BUT. The down side is that if you’re stressed or feeling anxious, caffeine can make you feel worse by increasing symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate and stomach upset.
“But I need caffeine” we hear you say. That’s because caffeine is actually a drug of dependence. Withdrawal from caffeine causes headaches, anxiety, fatigue, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, tremors and irritability.
We realise this looks like a double edged sword, and in some ways it is. However the benefits of reducing or eliminating caffeine are well worth the withdrawal symptoms so stick with it. Limiting your caffeine intake will not only make you feel better throughout the day but you will also experience improved sleep.
Our advice, start slowly.
- Limit your caffeine to only consuming in the morning. Caffeine stays in your system for a long time. Six hours after you’ve consumed caffeine it’s still in your system and can take up to 10 hours to completely clear from your blood stream.
- Change to decaffeinated coffee or tea. We’re not joking! Trust us, you’ll adapt and feel a whole lot better for it.
- Remember to drink plenty of water to flush your system.
- Activate your energy levels by being active rather than reaching for a cup of coffee – go for a brisk walk in the fresh air.
- Embrace being the person who orders a large decaf cappuccino on an alternative milk source!
