Addictions are good. They give sense of live, help to cope with everyday problems and can be powerful motor for all our actions. Being addicted to anything for years, it is difficult to imagine life without our favourite magic. It becomes lifestyle, part of our daily routine, something we cannot live without.
Or can we?
I decided to undertake a challenge to give up my last, the longest and strongest addiction – caffeine. 10 days trial.
First day – terrible headache was killing me. Ordinary painkillers didn’t work. It was Thursday and I was at work – multiple complex problems to sort out with headache and without help of coffee, just perfect day. But I survived.
Second day – half conscious, but no headache. It came back little bit on Sunday and much worse on Monday. Kept me entire day. I thought about helping myself with little bit of tea – there is caffeine in it as well. But I finally decided – no cheating. When I drank tea, it was strawberry one or something similar. I Survived.
Through the next few days it was getting better, although I didn’t realise that initially. I realised however that it was giving up this habit was really hard, especially going through withdrawal symptoms and low mood – that was really discouraging. Believe me, for me it was much harder then giving up smoking years ago. Additionally, I lost this wonderful feeling of being fully awake in the morning after first cup.
So why bother?
After ten days I realised I don’t really need caffeine. It takes me longer to be fully awake but also takes me longer to get tired (so no need for extra shot of coffee every few hours). I was also told by someone close to me, that I became less nervous and shouted at people less often 🙂 Indeed, I think I started to better cope with stress. Actually, it’s something more – many situation somehow became less stressful.
Addictions are good. They make us strong and powerful when we give them up. That’s the only real benefit they come with. At the time of writing this I must say, those initial 10 days planned extended to 3 weeks and will extend even more. I just feel better 🙂
Good article , I am also a coffee addict and most times feel like I need it! Most days going through 2 cups lol. Good thing is I have slowly winged myself off of it as well, rather than needing it daily and honestly I do feel a lot better. It’s more of a casual drink now, not necessarily a need. Good read 😄
Thanks for sharing your experience. As a causal drink it won’t do much harm, glass of wine occasionally is also fine 😉 Problem appears when “occasionally” transforms to finding occasion every day or even more often. But that’s gone! 🙂
Good piece! I drink 2 coffees a day in Spain but never anywhere else. I get the crazy headache if I don’t drink it here! I drink it socially when I meet up with colleagues before work and in the morning just because it’s quick to make! Maybe I’ll give 10 days caffeine free a go!
Thanks for your comment! Give me a shout if you decide to do so 😉 I’m really curious if that would be similar experience, if you go for it.
I say as tucking into a latte macchiato and just bought a coffee machine!!! Haha
Seem like there’s no hope then 😀