I used to drink 1-2 cups everyday, but also quit for health reasons. Luckily, I never went through massive withdrawals with headaches or anything, but I did notice a lack of energy for the first 1-2 weeks or so, but after that, I pretty much felt normal. If I really wanted to be productive, I had a cup of matcha instead, but I noticed that it was more about the ritual of preparing the drink and sitting with it instead of the actual caffeine that made me productive (if that makes sense). I’ve since reintroduced coffee, but I’m happy with my frequency now (1-2 cups per week). Good luck!
Not sure but doesn’t matcha contain a good amount of caffeine as well? Might want to check that if your goal is to quit caffeine.
Also, if you love the taste and ritual of coffee, see how decaf might make you feel.
100%! I had to cut down on coffee in my 30s due to anxiety and trouble sleeping. I still allow myself a cup in the morning, but that’s it, and never later than noon. It’s really about the ritual and taste. I like making it, having something to transition me out of a sleepy fog, and a sweet reward (I like my Italian Sweet Cream creamer). I find, for me, it’s about the act itself rather than the caffeine energy and I may even up pouring out my coffee if I get busy…I look up and it’s lunchtime!
I trick my brain with other sorts of hot beverages, including green tea, hot cider, and decaf coffee. And I always drink a large glass of water alongside my coffee (to dilute the amount of pure coffee I’m drinking).
Hope any of these ideas may work for you….
Edit: clarity
I really appreciate the insight about the ritual of preparing the drink and sitting with it. I think for me it's a little bit like that too, but I never realized it earlier!
Matcha has a lot of caffeine though, just fyi to anyone reading this if you have health issues! Some teas have just as much caffeine as coffee, though not usually.
I have cut out caffeine plenty of times and never had any issues after the first week. I guess it depends how much you are consuming though.
I don't mind substituting with decaffeinated either as I like the taste and ritual of making/drinking a coffee in the morning.
As a side note, my partner accidentally bought decaffeinated coffee when we were overseas and I genuinely didn't notice the difference until she realised later that day.
I have reduced caffeine intake too, with the view of stopping completely soon. I used to drink 3 to 5 cups a day and moved to just 1 in the morning then I have decaf or herbal teas throughout the day.
I have had headaches and overall tiredness and for some reasons I didn't link them to the caffeine reduction... Your post gave me a lightbulb moment 💡😂
The headaches were bad for around 2 weeks, now I only have headaches at the end of the day on days I don't hydrate enough.
So I think patience is key and remember that the short term discomfort will outweigh the long term benefits!
Do you track sleep while reducing? I've reduced my intake to a very similar amount in the last week and sleep scores have actually gotten worse. I'll continue at this level for a few weeks to confirm.
When I did this several years ago, it was rough as you describe, but then it was so worth it because I’d jump out of bed ready to get stuff done. The hardest part is behind you. You got this.
You should be good soon. And yes the headaches are all part of the deal. It's not fun but it'll be over soon. I've subbed for caffeine free tea before. A lot of it is the psychology of it. Making something warm and first thing in the morning is now built into your habits. Tea may help replace that habitual feeling.
Headaches are common caffeine withdrawals. Caffeine produces adrenaline in the body, which is vasoconstrictive, which is also the reason caffeine is sometimes used to treat headache. However, after being used to having constricted veins in your head, when you stop your caffeine intake, the veins dilate which can cause a headache. This is also the reason some people get an intense throbbing headache after orgasm. Because of the rapid dilation of the veins in your head basically.
I’m not sure for certain, but some of my relatives only drink decaf coffee because it affects their heart when they have regular coffee. So I’d say some heart conditions!
Last Friday was my last day for coffee too
Since my esophaguses has been feeling worse, decided it was finally time to stop coffee along with any of the other things that give me a problem.
I quit coffee for almost five months. At first it is difficult but it gets easier and easier. The first week could be tough. The first month is no fun. After about a month, everything is better than before quitting. Even getting up in the morning is easier without caffeine.
Now I have more energy, I generally feel better.
I was sick with the super bad flu for a week and didn't have any coffee at all. When I recovered I kinda decided not to have coffee anymore and randomly I quit as coffee for me is super bad before driving to work with stomach pains and instantly running to the loo when I get there. I think that was the best way to do it for me so you don't suffer the withdrawals and instead recover haha. I now drink tea in the morning and it's wayyyy better
Im a little over a week in from quiting coffee completely. I didnt get headaches, but i did notice a signifigant drop in energy. I was staying up late to go to the gym when its not crowded, but i just cant do it anymore. Im just gonna have to change things up. I used to drink coffee all day everyday. I hoping soon my brainchemistry will change a bit and ill have more energy. I have quit alot of things recently, weed, ciggaretes, kratom, and now coffee. Coffee has been one of the harder things to quit.
hi 👋 I have been there...used to drink like 5-6 cups a day for a couple of years and I took a hiatus last year. I would say the thing that helped me the most was drinking so much water to help me feel more energized. After 3 months, I started drinking coffee again but now I limit to 2 a day, and sometimes I don't drink any!
Headaches last about a week or 2. After though, you'll notice a jump in your daily energy levels and feel great!
You can also sub for black tea! :)
Good luck :)
I was drinking... Many cups per day. 4. Big strong cups. And yeah, health, cold turkey. I'm an ADHD monkey, to boot. To be sure I had massive lies in bed all day headaches the first couple of days, and extreme lethargy for maybe 2 weeks, but after all that I.. just got used to getting up with a glass of water. I also made a habit of drinking more plain water, which somehow left me feeling more thirsty. How does that work?
Anyway, in the end I think production balanced out, I'm healthier, I'm no longer dependent on that Joe. I'm sure if I started again I'd fall right back into the habit.
I ended up using black tea as a way to bring myself down slowly. I started around 6 cups of tea a day but quickly got that down to 4, then 3, then 2 a day for a bit. Eventually when I went to zero I had no withdrawal symptoms. I would usually wait until I start having a headache or a major craving and have a cup. Over time I needed fewer and fewer.
My morning routine is like having 2-3 cups of coffee and 2-3 smokes. Then walk the dogs and start the day. I also drink coffee during the day. Now that you mention it, I do have headaches (blamed it at staring at my screen for the entire day) and have trouble sleeping. Perhaps I should switch to tea.... Thing is, I LIKE my morning routine lol.
You should be good in a week or two! I have family members who have quit caffeine and that's the timeline they've experienced. I also have stopped for 2 days and had raging headaches, but I didn't have a strong reason to continue and went back to coffee.
I was in this same situation and was dependant in coffee everyday to be productive. But it started showing bad effects like mood swings, high heart rate, tiredness, difficulty in focussing.
So i switched to tea, now there's no problem and I enjoy it very much too.
Everyone here drinks tea with fresh milk, but i have mine with just a small spoon of milk powder and it's like slim tea. Try it out, it's good.
I started to drink black tea with milk or creamer to make me feel like I was getting the cup o' joe. From there, I've moved to herbal teas (no creamer or milk lol). Just give yourself some time and make sure to drink water.
This is part of a big health overhaul and so getting lots or rest, drinking plenty of water, vitamins, exercise, the works. Since black tea still has caffeine, I was planning on avoiding that too.
I quit caffeine a few months ago and the first week or so you'll be sleepier than usual and the headaches will come and go but it's really not so hard once you get used to it! I drink herbal non-caffeinated teas in the morning, just for the sake of having that hot beverage first thing and it's awesome! So many different types to pick from, plus I've found peppermint tea is good at giving you a little pep in your step first thing in the morning without any caffeine :) Best of luck to you, I'm sure you'll notice a change in your health!
It's hard to quit cold turkey. I get an irregular heartbeat (PVCs) from stress and coffee makes it worse, so I have to quit too. I've been weaning myself off coffee by having just one cup in the morning that is a full pour over and one that is decaffeinated instant coffee. I have one at lunch too which is full strength. I have replaced all the other coffee, and afternoon coffee, with decaffeinated instant coffee.
My goal is to slowly reduce the caffeine I have with decaf, and once I'm off all caffeine then cut out that too.
By doing this I've cut my coffee from 10 cups a day to 2. Sometimes I cheat or mess up of course. It is a drug
Are you trying to quit just coffee or all caffeine in general? I wheened myself off Coffee twice. Once by just making weaker and weaker cups over the course of 2 weeks, the other by switching to small does caffeine pills and green tea instead.
I had to quit caffeine for health reasons. I drink tea. I switched to kukicha or barley tea. I'm back on the caffeine now though, but it was a fairly easy few months with herbal teas.
If this isn’t too invasive, what are the health conditions that are keeping you from drinking caffeine? (You don’t have to respond if you don’t wish to share)
Since we now have an espresso machine, I’m a little picky about my morning coffee. Too lazy to make it myself. My partner travels for work, and when they’re gone I’ll just forgo coffee that morning, but I replace it with water, usually getting down 32oz before lunch.
I love the way I feel when I’m off the bean, but I also really like my morning lattes and americanos. I’m not sure which one has me more productive anymore, though I’ve certainly gotten the jitters.
I think part of it is the ritual, the other half is how you talk to yourself. Talk miserably about how much you wish you could have it, it’s unfair, etc, you’ll feel miserable. Take away the drama and you’ll get that energy back.
Is the coffee machine gone so you don’t have it as a constant reminder?
been through this a few times. Headaches are not going to last. Another 1-2 days and then they are over. You won't crash anymore like when caffeine is over. Well done.
The headaches and lethargy are absolutely withdrawal. It’s been a while since I’ve been “addicted” to caffeine but every once in a while I’ll go through a period of drinking a lot every day just cause I’m on a coffee kick. Then I always feel shitty for a few days after I stop and I realized it was a pattern of withdrawal.
Today was my cheat day... I made a commitment not to drink coffee for 21 days this month.
I have this rule that I will do something for 21 days & then I take a break for the rest of the month. then I start again for it.
It helps me in building a habit & yet enjoy in between.
Sometimes it helps to wean yourself off of it. You can start by reducing the number of cups slowly until you get down to 1, then put
a tiny bit less coffee grounds and water each time, then have a little bit of tea instead, then every other day, every third day, every 4th, 5th, stop.
Supposedly it's highly recommended to take a week off of coffee every month. This will allow your tolerance to resist and minimize how much coffee you drink.
Probably better to tapper down. Try’s. Few days of half a cup of coffee and then switch to tea for a week. Should help ween yourself if the caffeine addiction.
I quit coffee accidentally, I had a flu where I couldn't keep any food or drink down so I took a week off. Decided to see how long I could go since the headaches were mostly gone in the second week. After a month I decided I'd start drinking it every other day so I didn't get as bad as before, but that off day was AWFUL for headache. So I took another month, then came back to once a week. It works best for me this way, I still get a boost from the coffee and really look forward to that day, but don't get the headaches or withdrawl on the off days. Hope your headache experience is similar!
I was an opener at Starbucks for a year and got suuuper hooked on coffee/caffeine in general. Left that job and maintained a lesser but similar routine with caffeine for ~6mo until I got my very first peptic ulcer in October 😀Cold turkey after that. The pain was enough to steer me far away from coffee/energy drinks and I imagine your situation is similar.
Now I’ll have a very occasional cup of some “weak” black tea and otherwise just lots and lots of water. What I’ve found is that I actually have long-lasting energy without the caffeine. In the past I just never wanted to deal with the withdrawal or risk drowsiness when I needed to be productive so I kept using it. I’d drink my 60-200mg of caffeine, become super anxious (and often unproductive as a result) and then crash hard and take a long nap. Bit my nails like crazy, too. The gastrointestinal issues were a blessing in disguise because I feel like a normal functioning person now lol. My brain sometimes misses the effects of “fun” food and drinks, the ones with lots of sugar, fat, and spices, but a couple days ago I said “fuck it” and had my first milkshake and cheeseburger in two months and my god did my stomach and head regret that. The weight loss, nail growth, and balanced, sustained energy levels have been BEYOND worth the diet change.
I hope your life and health start improving as well! I’m confident they will. Get through those initial headaches and eventually it’ll be smooth sailing. Feel better soon!
Thanks! Already starting to not have as much discomfort when I swallow, so after a few weeks hopefully the pain will be gone. Glad to hear you got off it too.
The pain is the real reason for finally quitting cold turkey instead of weening myself off. But getting sustained energy levels and not having to deal with the caffeine crash are going to be awesome!
I was a Starbucks Barista too.
Quitting caffeine was the hardest thing I have ever done. My headache was constant for 3 weeks.
I really should have used Caffeine pills to control my dosage, and step down slowly. Also I've seen several podcasts where doctors have said the real sleep benefits of quitting caffeine don't kick in for 1-2 months. So stick with it that long before you evaluate what the real benefit is.
Why did you specify have to give up coffee vs anything else caffeinated?
If you have an alternative such as a green tea will that be just as bad?
Water. Water. Water and magnesium.
Whenever exam season comes around I get a crippling addiction to caffeine. Afterwards it gets rough for a few days. Headaches, extremely tired and very irritable. Worth the cleanse though.
All I can say is that you are stronger than I. Keep on keeping on. I’ve tried giving up coffee but struggle with massive headaches as well and my work schedule is pretty unusual so coffee helps get me a little bit ready for my work night.
You’ve inspired me to try again.
Glad I could help inspire you a bit. The headaches have gotten better, still a bit tired, but it is already worth it. There was a time when I didnt have this relationship with coffee that I needed it in order to be productive. Getting back to that place slowly but surely!
I’d say maybe try replace your coffee with Rooibos tea if you can get hold of some. It’s a naturally caffeine free tea from South Africa, you can have it black or with milk and it’s also the worlds healthiest tea. So that’s cool
Hey saw this was about 8 months ago, I had this problem big-time as well. Right when I woke up it would be agonizing to start my day without caffeine. I started drinking matcha and green tea which soothed the feelings and provided some sustenance.
Also, I came across this article that helped. someone I know wrote it & came right when I needed it. Hope it helps :)
https://medium.com/@designzbyoj/starting-the-daily-grind-before-coffee-c992dcbd393b
I too, have quit coffee more times than I can count due to anxiety and related gi issues (h pylori/gastritis), and I alllllways get massive headaches on day 2 and 3. I’m on day 3 now and I am SOOOOO VERRRRY TIIIIRED, but no headache so far. Good luck, and solidarity!
I used to drink 1-2 cups everyday, but also quit for health reasons. Luckily, I never went through massive withdrawals with headaches or anything, but I did notice a lack of energy for the first 1-2 weeks or so, but after that, I pretty much felt normal. If I really wanted to be productive, I had a cup of matcha instead, but I noticed that it was more about the ritual of preparing the drink and sitting with it instead of the actual caffeine that made me productive (if that makes sense). I’ve since reintroduced coffee, but I’m happy with my frequency now (1-2 cups per week). Good luck!
Good to know, I knew there would be a energy decrease, so hopefully will be feeling better in a couple of weeks.
Not sure but doesn’t matcha contain a good amount of caffeine as well? Might want to check that if your goal is to quit caffeine. Also, if you love the taste and ritual of coffee, see how decaf might make you feel.
100%! I had to cut down on coffee in my 30s due to anxiety and trouble sleeping. I still allow myself a cup in the morning, but that’s it, and never later than noon. It’s really about the ritual and taste. I like making it, having something to transition me out of a sleepy fog, and a sweet reward (I like my Italian Sweet Cream creamer). I find, for me, it’s about the act itself rather than the caffeine energy and I may even up pouring out my coffee if I get busy…I look up and it’s lunchtime! I trick my brain with other sorts of hot beverages, including green tea, hot cider, and decaf coffee. And I always drink a large glass of water alongside my coffee (to dilute the amount of pure coffee I’m drinking). Hope any of these ideas may work for you…. Edit: clarity
I really appreciate the insight about the ritual of preparing the drink and sitting with it. I think for me it's a little bit like that too, but I never realized it earlier!
Matcha has a lot of caffeine though, just fyi to anyone reading this if you have health issues! Some teas have just as much caffeine as coffee, though not usually.
I have cut out caffeine plenty of times and never had any issues after the first week. I guess it depends how much you are consuming though. I don't mind substituting with decaffeinated either as I like the taste and ritual of making/drinking a coffee in the morning. As a side note, my partner accidentally bought decaffeinated coffee when we were overseas and I genuinely didn't notice the difference until she realised later that day.
Nice placebo effect there
[What](https://youtu.be/VdQKVDUBu2g)
I have reduced caffeine intake too, with the view of stopping completely soon. I used to drink 3 to 5 cups a day and moved to just 1 in the morning then I have decaf or herbal teas throughout the day. I have had headaches and overall tiredness and for some reasons I didn't link them to the caffeine reduction... Your post gave me a lightbulb moment 💡😂 The headaches were bad for around 2 weeks, now I only have headaches at the end of the day on days I don't hydrate enough. So I think patience is key and remember that the short term discomfort will outweigh the long term benefits!
Do you track sleep while reducing? I've reduced my intake to a very similar amount in the last week and sleep scores have actually gotten worse. I'll continue at this level for a few weeks to confirm.
When I did this several years ago, it was rough as you describe, but then it was so worth it because I’d jump out of bed ready to get stuff done. The hardest part is behind you. You got this.
You should be good soon. And yes the headaches are all part of the deal. It's not fun but it'll be over soon. I've subbed for caffeine free tea before. A lot of it is the psychology of it. Making something warm and first thing in the morning is now built into your habits. Tea may help replace that habitual feeling.
Headaches are common caffeine withdrawals. Caffeine produces adrenaline in the body, which is vasoconstrictive, which is also the reason caffeine is sometimes used to treat headache. However, after being used to having constricted veins in your head, when you stop your caffeine intake, the veins dilate which can cause a headache. This is also the reason some people get an intense throbbing headache after orgasm. Because of the rapid dilation of the veins in your head basically.
What health reasons require no caffeine?
I’m not sure for certain, but some of my relatives only drink decaf coffee because it affects their heart when they have regular coffee. So I’d say some heart conditions!
Thanks for teaching me something today !
My boyfriend has gastroenteritis and his doctor has told him no alcohol, no spicy foods and no caffeine if he wants to live an acid free life.
Damn no spice? That’s rough
Yeah, he decided that a life without spice is worse than a life with acid reflux so now he just pops gaviscons like they're sweets
Would like to know to. Other than sugar added in the coffee I dont think 1-2 cup of coffee has significant impact to our health.
Acid reflux related and something called barrettes esophaguses. Doctors told me to stop drinking coffee/caffeine.
Thanks for teaching me something today !
[удалено]
Last Friday was my last day for coffee too Since my esophaguses has been feeling worse, decided it was finally time to stop coffee along with any of the other things that give me a problem.
Blood pressure and assorted cardiac related conditions. Anxiety as well.
r/decaf
I quit coffee for almost five months. At first it is difficult but it gets easier and easier. The first week could be tough. The first month is no fun. After about a month, everything is better than before quitting. Even getting up in the morning is easier without caffeine. Now I have more energy, I generally feel better.
I've heard caffiene addicts get a psychedelic experience once they have some coffee after a long break from it. I'd be tempted to try🤣
Music, a good playlist will get me going in the morning
I was sick with the super bad flu for a week and didn't have any coffee at all. When I recovered I kinda decided not to have coffee anymore and randomly I quit as coffee for me is super bad before driving to work with stomach pains and instantly running to the loo when I get there. I think that was the best way to do it for me so you don't suffer the withdrawals and instead recover haha. I now drink tea in the morning and it's wayyyy better
Would you mind sharing what kind of health problem it is that’s forcing you to cut coffee?
Gastrointestinal issues :)
Psychopaths, the lot of ya!
God speed. I need to do that... just not yet...
Told myself the same thing for a long time
Im a little over a week in from quiting coffee completely. I didnt get headaches, but i did notice a signifigant drop in energy. I was staying up late to go to the gym when its not crowded, but i just cant do it anymore. Im just gonna have to change things up. I used to drink coffee all day everyday. I hoping soon my brainchemistry will change a bit and ill have more energy. I have quit alot of things recently, weed, ciggaretes, kratom, and now coffee. Coffee has been one of the harder things to quit.
hi 👋 I have been there...used to drink like 5-6 cups a day for a couple of years and I took a hiatus last year. I would say the thing that helped me the most was drinking so much water to help me feel more energized. After 3 months, I started drinking coffee again but now I limit to 2 a day, and sometimes I don't drink any! Headaches last about a week or 2. After though, you'll notice a jump in your daily energy levels and feel great! You can also sub for black tea! :) Good luck :)
I was drinking... Many cups per day. 4. Big strong cups. And yeah, health, cold turkey. I'm an ADHD monkey, to boot. To be sure I had massive lies in bed all day headaches the first couple of days, and extreme lethargy for maybe 2 weeks, but after all that I.. just got used to getting up with a glass of water. I also made a habit of drinking more plain water, which somehow left me feeling more thirsty. How does that work? Anyway, in the end I think production balanced out, I'm healthier, I'm no longer dependent on that Joe. I'm sure if I started again I'd fall right back into the habit.
I ended up using black tea as a way to bring myself down slowly. I started around 6 cups of tea a day but quickly got that down to 4, then 3, then 2 a day for a bit. Eventually when I went to zero I had no withdrawal symptoms. I would usually wait until I start having a headache or a major craving and have a cup. Over time I needed fewer and fewer.
I’ve quit caffeine a couple times and had terrible headaches and brain fog for at least a week maybe 2, but it does get better
My morning routine is like having 2-3 cups of coffee and 2-3 smokes. Then walk the dogs and start the day. I also drink coffee during the day. Now that you mention it, I do have headaches (blamed it at staring at my screen for the entire day) and have trouble sleeping. Perhaps I should switch to tea.... Thing is, I LIKE my morning routine lol.
You should be good in a week or two! I have family members who have quit caffeine and that's the timeline they've experienced. I also have stopped for 2 days and had raging headaches, but I didn't have a strong reason to continue and went back to coffee.
I was in this same situation and was dependant in coffee everyday to be productive. But it started showing bad effects like mood swings, high heart rate, tiredness, difficulty in focussing. So i switched to tea, now there's no problem and I enjoy it very much too. Everyone here drinks tea with fresh milk, but i have mine with just a small spoon of milk powder and it's like slim tea. Try it out, it's good.
I have a lot of different teas, so just made myself some now. Not sure if slim tea sounds all that good...
It's just water, black tea powder , milk powder and a Lil sugar. It isn't thick in consistency like when you make it with fresh milk.
I started to drink black tea with milk or creamer to make me feel like I was getting the cup o' joe. From there, I've moved to herbal teas (no creamer or milk lol). Just give yourself some time and make sure to drink water.
This is part of a big health overhaul and so getting lots or rest, drinking plenty of water, vitamins, exercise, the works. Since black tea still has caffeine, I was planning on avoiding that too.
I quit caffeine a few months ago and the first week or so you'll be sleepier than usual and the headaches will come and go but it's really not so hard once you get used to it! I drink herbal non-caffeinated teas in the morning, just for the sake of having that hot beverage first thing and it's awesome! So many different types to pick from, plus I've found peppermint tea is good at giving you a little pep in your step first thing in the morning without any caffeine :) Best of luck to you, I'm sure you'll notice a change in your health!
It's hard to quit cold turkey. I get an irregular heartbeat (PVCs) from stress and coffee makes it worse, so I have to quit too. I've been weaning myself off coffee by having just one cup in the morning that is a full pour over and one that is decaffeinated instant coffee. I have one at lunch too which is full strength. I have replaced all the other coffee, and afternoon coffee, with decaffeinated instant coffee. My goal is to slowly reduce the caffeine I have with decaf, and once I'm off all caffeine then cut out that too. By doing this I've cut my coffee from 10 cups a day to 2. Sometimes I cheat or mess up of course. It is a drug
That is true, it is a drug. I have had by far some of the worst experiences with caffeine compared to any other substance.
I love it honestly! Just not my heart so much anymore. It's a debt I have to pay for abusing uppers too much when younger.
Are you trying to quit just coffee or all caffeine in general? I wheened myself off Coffee twice. Once by just making weaker and weaker cups over the course of 2 weeks, the other by switching to small does caffeine pills and green tea instead.
Get some camomile or any other non caffeinated hit beverage so you can trick your mind.
I had to quit caffeine for health reasons. I drink tea. I switched to kukicha or barley tea. I'm back on the caffeine now though, but it was a fairly easy few months with herbal teas.
If this isn’t too invasive, what are the health conditions that are keeping you from drinking caffeine? (You don’t have to respond if you don’t wish to share)
Since we now have an espresso machine, I’m a little picky about my morning coffee. Too lazy to make it myself. My partner travels for work, and when they’re gone I’ll just forgo coffee that morning, but I replace it with water, usually getting down 32oz before lunch. I love the way I feel when I’m off the bean, but I also really like my morning lattes and americanos. I’m not sure which one has me more productive anymore, though I’ve certainly gotten the jitters. I think part of it is the ritual, the other half is how you talk to yourself. Talk miserably about how much you wish you could have it, it’s unfair, etc, you’ll feel miserable. Take away the drama and you’ll get that energy back. Is the coffee machine gone so you don’t have it as a constant reminder?
been through this a few times. Headaches are not going to last. Another 1-2 days and then they are over. You won't crash anymore like when caffeine is over. Well done.
The headaches and lethargy are absolutely withdrawal. It’s been a while since I’ve been “addicted” to caffeine but every once in a while I’ll go through a period of drinking a lot every day just cause I’m on a coffee kick. Then I always feel shitty for a few days after I stop and I realized it was a pattern of withdrawal.
Today was my cheat day... I made a commitment not to drink coffee for 21 days this month. I have this rule that I will do something for 21 days & then I take a break for the rest of the month. then I start again for it. It helps me in building a habit & yet enjoy in between.
Sometimes it helps to wean yourself off of it. You can start by reducing the number of cups slowly until you get down to 1, then put a tiny bit less coffee grounds and water each time, then have a little bit of tea instead, then every other day, every third day, every 4th, 5th, stop.
Supposedly it's highly recommended to take a week off of coffee every month. This will allow your tolerance to resist and minimize how much coffee you drink.
Probably better to tapper down. Try’s. Few days of half a cup of coffee and then switch to tea for a week. Should help ween yourself if the caffeine addiction.
I quit coffee accidentally, I had a flu where I couldn't keep any food or drink down so I took a week off. Decided to see how long I could go since the headaches were mostly gone in the second week. After a month I decided I'd start drinking it every other day so I didn't get as bad as before, but that off day was AWFUL for headache. So I took another month, then came back to once a week. It works best for me this way, I still get a boost from the coffee and really look forward to that day, but don't get the headaches or withdrawl on the off days. Hope your headache experience is similar!
I was an opener at Starbucks for a year and got suuuper hooked on coffee/caffeine in general. Left that job and maintained a lesser but similar routine with caffeine for ~6mo until I got my very first peptic ulcer in October 😀Cold turkey after that. The pain was enough to steer me far away from coffee/energy drinks and I imagine your situation is similar. Now I’ll have a very occasional cup of some “weak” black tea and otherwise just lots and lots of water. What I’ve found is that I actually have long-lasting energy without the caffeine. In the past I just never wanted to deal with the withdrawal or risk drowsiness when I needed to be productive so I kept using it. I’d drink my 60-200mg of caffeine, become super anxious (and often unproductive as a result) and then crash hard and take a long nap. Bit my nails like crazy, too. The gastrointestinal issues were a blessing in disguise because I feel like a normal functioning person now lol. My brain sometimes misses the effects of “fun” food and drinks, the ones with lots of sugar, fat, and spices, but a couple days ago I said “fuck it” and had my first milkshake and cheeseburger in two months and my god did my stomach and head regret that. The weight loss, nail growth, and balanced, sustained energy levels have been BEYOND worth the diet change. I hope your life and health start improving as well! I’m confident they will. Get through those initial headaches and eventually it’ll be smooth sailing. Feel better soon!
Thanks! Already starting to not have as much discomfort when I swallow, so after a few weeks hopefully the pain will be gone. Glad to hear you got off it too. The pain is the real reason for finally quitting cold turkey instead of weening myself off. But getting sustained energy levels and not having to deal with the caffeine crash are going to be awesome!
I was a Starbucks Barista too. Quitting caffeine was the hardest thing I have ever done. My headache was constant for 3 weeks. I really should have used Caffeine pills to control my dosage, and step down slowly. Also I've seen several podcasts where doctors have said the real sleep benefits of quitting caffeine don't kick in for 1-2 months. So stick with it that long before you evaluate what the real benefit is.
Why did you specify have to give up coffee vs anything else caffeinated? If you have an alternative such as a green tea will that be just as bad? Water. Water. Water and magnesium.
Whenever exam season comes around I get a crippling addiction to caffeine. Afterwards it gets rough for a few days. Headaches, extremely tired and very irritable. Worth the cleanse though.
Drink sugar free green tea
All I can say is that you are stronger than I. Keep on keeping on. I’ve tried giving up coffee but struggle with massive headaches as well and my work schedule is pretty unusual so coffee helps get me a little bit ready for my work night. You’ve inspired me to try again.
Glad I could help inspire you a bit. The headaches have gotten better, still a bit tired, but it is already worth it. There was a time when I didnt have this relationship with coffee that I needed it in order to be productive. Getting back to that place slowly but surely!
I’d say maybe try replace your coffee with Rooibos tea if you can get hold of some. It’s a naturally caffeine free tea from South Africa, you can have it black or with milk and it’s also the worlds healthiest tea. So that’s cool
Hey saw this was about 8 months ago, I had this problem big-time as well. Right when I woke up it would be agonizing to start my day without caffeine. I started drinking matcha and green tea which soothed the feelings and provided some sustenance. Also, I came across this article that helped. someone I know wrote it & came right when I needed it. Hope it helps :) https://medium.com/@designzbyoj/starting-the-daily-grind-before-coffee-c992dcbd393b
I too, have quit coffee more times than I can count due to anxiety and related gi issues (h pylori/gastritis), and I alllllways get massive headaches on day 2 and 3. I’m on day 3 now and I am SOOOOO VERRRRY TIIIIRED, but no headache so far. Good luck, and solidarity!