4 ms·
I’d like to offer the opposite perspective to many of the responses here. I regularly have 2 coffees a day, and I’ve taken month long breaks from it in the past
by bb123 5y ago
I’d like to offer the opposite perspective to many of the responses here. I regularly have 2 coffees a day, and I’ve taken month long breaks from it in the past. I’ve never experienced any of the severe withdrawal symptoms people often describe, with the exception of feeling a little sluggish on the first day. I did, however, miss the routine of preparing and drinking a warm aromatic beverage in the morning. I find it a pleasant way to start the day. Also, at times where I can feel myself flagging and I need continued focus, I find a good coffee does really help. So I personally see limited downside to caffeine consumption and some nice upsides.
- freedomben 5y agoI completely agreed with you until I realized that caffeine was aggravating my anxiety. I went years not realizing this, so it's possible that for some people they're getting symptoms they haven't linked yet. Now that said, when I was younger I didn't have that problem and caffeine was a powerful tool in my toolbox for maximizing performance. Definitely glad to have it when needed.
- doktorhladnjak 5y agoI gave up caffeine for several months starting around October 2020. It was seriously aggravating my politics and COVID anxiety at that time. I did eventually go back to it last summer. I just like coffee and the kick that comes with it. I usually only drink one cup, sometimes two which strikes a good balance for me.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- anyfoo 5y agoI had that problem. It only crossed into anxiety when I had much more, but even before that point I had what I would call uncomfortable “overattention” and sleep troubles. The solution for me was moderation. Two cups a day, and no cup after 3:30pm (or rather that’s the latest time I allow myself to start drinking my last cup). Makes them more special, too.
- freedom2099 5y agoI hear you… 4 coffees a day here and can stop without any symptoms whatsoever! I too miss the routine though… I am extremely set in my ways ad the break I take and the routine to prepare my coffee is something I enjoy!
- jedberg 5y agoHave you tried using herbal tea (no caffeine) to get your routine and see if it's the routine or the caffeine that helps?
- anyfoo 5y agoExactly the same here. Two coffees a day, and I look forward to making them sometimes even at the end of the previous day: Let’s go to bed, and tomorrow I’ll make myself a nice cup of coffee and it will be a new day. And with two cups a day, “withdrawal” really isn’t a big factor. There are (rare) times where because of different circumstances I forget to/can’t drink coffee before my self-imposed deadline (for sleep), and I’ll be a bit more tired and a bit sad that I have to wait for my next coffee…
- rajin444 5y agoI had the exact same experience. I've gone 6-8 months of taking roughly 200mg - 300mg a day with no major issues. When I've taken breaks (up to 6 months at a time) I didn't notice any real gain. The one lasting thing I've noticed is my tolerance. I've never been able to reset back to a "pre coffee" level where I could have like 200mg and be absolutely wired. It goes down, but nowhere near as much. Maybe 6 months isn't a long enough break...
- hughrr 5y agoA hot drink in the morning is a good motivator and ritual. I think that’s the winning thing. I occasionally do hot chocolate instead which is equally as good thus the caffeine may not be required.
- lamontcg 5y agoI quit coffee for about a year before and I lacked focus at work and the ability to scratch away at things day after day to get bigger things done.