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?