I gave up coffee. Yes. Coffee. It was hard, it is hard still sometimes but oh so worth it.
I feel better, sleep better, think clearly and don’t have that overwhelming sense of false urgency that everything is a crisis and must be dealt with NOW. I definitely do not miss that.
I am very close to someone who has a huge addiction problem. I decided that if she can give up what she is addicted to I can give up coffee. We’ll both win. No, giving up coffee isn’t the same but it is something I relied on, wove my day around and used to facilitate social interaction.
You can find lots of articles suggesting coffee is not harmful and even has health benefits. There are just as many suggesting the opposite. Personally, I didn’t like relying on something to get me through my day. I didn’t like the tired feeling I had most of the time. It’s really noticable how your energy level stays consistent throughout the day withOUT coffee and how you don’t experience those intense crashes in the afternoons. That in itself it worth the withdrawal headaches.
Incredible how long it takes to get it out of your system. Yes, the headaches are bad but they go away. The consistent energy levels don’t.
It’s surprising the reactions you get from people. When I mentioned this on Twitter people expressed shock, amazement and the general consensus seemed to be that I was losing my mind. 
The woman who works at my favorite coffee shop whispered she is trying too. Many friends on Facebook have also given it up. There are so many who have tried, are thinking about trying, plan on trying, think they should, know it’s a good idea – it’s quite the topic of conversation.
The thing I missed the most: the ritual. After wandering around not knowing how to begin my day for a few mornings the suggestion to try Rooibos tea was a welcome one. I can still plug in the kettle, still use the french press, get my favorite mug, stir, smell, relax.
Sometimes I find myself wondering about the millions of people running around fueled by anxiety- producing coffee. I think about how different business, social and all human interaction might be without it…….
What have you given up lately and how is that working for you?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Good work, Kathryn! Great post
I gave up coffee myself about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Completely agree with how you’ve found it. The headaches were far worse than I’d imagined, but going from 6-8 cups of coffee to zero will do that
I replaced my work ritual of going to the kitchen to get coffee many times a day with getting water instead. I feel better, have lost a bit of weight, and am overall just really proud of myself for kicking it.
Nice! It really does feel like an accomplishment doesn’t it!?
Not long ago, I drank 3 to 4 quad shot breve lattes a day. It’s true. Now, I’m a tiny girl (5′10′ and 115 or so) and all that coffee didn’t leave much room for food. I now have a cup of plain black coffee, or the occasional cappuccino maybe twice a month and eat much healthier – in fact, I’ve gained a bit of weight and look healthier, too.
The headaches were bad. Wow. They were, but I got through them. Looking back I don’t think it is the ritual I miss as much as the sensory experience. I love the smell of coffee – the scent brings to mind happy memories of my grandparents – and the warmth of the cup feels nice in my hands.
Now, coffee is more of a treat for me than anything I need. I enjoy it, instead of drinking it. This is better. Much.
So very proud of your efforts Kathryn and a great post!
Wow – thank you, I really appreciate hearing that!
Congratulations on the accomplishment of releasing this vice. While I have never had the anxiety issues that some have without coffee I did have insomnia issues while in University. I eventually had to cut back from a few coffee a day to just one. Along with that I had to reduce the sugar content in my coffee.
Now I just enjoy one coffee a day, usually first thing in the morning with my breakfast. I hardly ever touch it on weekends and vacations are void of it. I enjoy the ritual of it now and that’s enough for me.
Hi Chris! Thanks for commenting. I’ve been trying to give up sugar as well with much less success:) All of my comfort food/treats seem to involve it.
How come I didn’t get the headaches? I gave up coffee in july, no big headaches, lots of good benefits though like Kathryn said, the consistent moods are great.
Hi Annette! Truthfully, my headaches didn’t last that long because I was on vacation when I gave it up and really relaxing and taking care of myself. I think if you’re in a stressful environment to begin with they may be worse?! I’m happy for you!
Kathryn – Great post! I liked the part about not wanting to rely on something else to get you through the day. I gave up tv a few weeks ago, except for an occasional football game with my husband or a family tv show we plan in advance. I’m loving how much more time I have to read and just think about things I never got around to before. (And it’s much easier for me to eat healthy when I’m not seeing a ton of commercials.) You’ve inspired me to think of other things I need to add to my Stop Doing List (as Jim Collins would say). Thanks! -kk
I’m one of those people who have been “thinking about it” for a long time. I enjoy everything about coffee. The smell, the taste, the ritual, everything. I’ll drink strong black coffee and double shots of espresso, no sugar, throughout the day. It doesn’t even wake me up anymore. I’ve also suffered from insomnia for as long as I can remember. Coincidence? I think not. The last time I tried to give it up, the headaches got me. Then it was the late night wake ups with the baby, etc. There is never a good time to plan to be tired and cranky. You’ve inspired me to give it a go again. I am going to finish the cup in front of me, and stock up on Excedrin. Thanks Kathryn.
Ian – You can do it. And, as Joel just reminded me on Twitter drinking lots of water will help. I hear yah about the sleep. My Mom used to say “Not sleeping? Oh that runs in our family dear”. All the while she drinks pots of tea per day!! The sleeping part has been the best thing – really. You’re right, control your headaches and the end result will be worth it. I took my coffee black and the stronger the better, I understand. Write me cranky emails complaining about the headaches. You can do this!
My first job was working mid-dawns in Radio. I have nutured my addiction since then, I don’t smoke so I figure(d) I could allow myself one
‘harmless’ vice. Seems that may not be the case, as my spotty sleep patterns and the current shift toward becoming coffee-free has me seriously considering that option … with an appreciation of the benefits, but some concern regarding the journey …
It’s the change in sleep patterns that will keep me off. You know that deep SLUMBER. (Love that word!) It’s NOT that bad – you’ll be fine, you exercise right? That will help. After watching someone struggle with a drug addiction – any addictions seem scary to me. Good luck. Keep in touch! Oh I also gave up drinking -* that* is way more difficult.
I’ve tried a few times, but I think like some of the other commenters have mentioned — I miss the ritual, I miss typing away in a coffee shop (I’m much more efficient working there than at home!), and I miss the slow moments chatting with friends.
I’m seriously considering giving it another go… the last two days I woke up an hour before my alarm with my pulse already racing. Very similar to my days in undergrad when I downed six or so lattes a day…
I don’t miss that feeling but know it well. So today it’s raining, cold and a bit gloomy. Do I want coffee YES. Making tea though and muddling through! Thanks for stopping by. I’m much more productive in coffee shops too
. At home I’m so easily distracted……
Any tips for getting past the psychological attachment we make to coffee?
And thank you for coming to and commenting on my site! I know you’re a busy person and I appreciate the time it took to do so.
That’s a tough one. I still find that hard. Meeting for coffee, “over” coffee, coffee breaks – it’s just part of our culture. Honestly, I hid for awhile. Now I can go out for tea. I do, sometimes , have decaf in the morning. And, I love the ritual of making loose tea. In the afternoon, when I’m tired, I CRAVE coffee. I stop, make tea and take a break. I gave up drinking alcohol as well. That’s much harder. Not in that I miss it but socially. People just stop asking you to join them at the pub, out for dinners, to see bands. Still working on that one. Let me know what hints you come up with
You are so welcome. You’re busy too – thank YOU!
We’re making some cappuccino here, sure we can’t tempt you
Kathryn,
I have been a gradual giver-upper. Over the years I’ve greatly reduced my coffee intake, now a die-hard decaf drinker. I now drink coffee for the taste and the warmth, not for the jump start I used to need. I’ve given up table sugar as well…it’s all black decaf now…coffee or tea. A proper amount of sleep is usually all we really need to get us through the day.
I really don’t miss the headaches or being controlled by “needing” something. My decisions grew out of getting back to a more natural rhythm of life. I gave up alcohol some nine years ago as it just got in the way of my search for more clarity. I still go out for drinks with friends, though I simply don’t drink. It was awkward at first, but it soon became no big deal. And with me designated driver, I know that my friends will get home safe.
Always enjoy your posts!!
Thank you Peter! The alcohol one is difficult when almost everything socially is centered around it. Good for you.
It was very difficult…at first. Most of my social circle was built around consumption. I guess I just got to a point where my search for clarity was greater than my desire for alcohol.