Two things about me:
- Sometimes, I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start or what to write.
- I’m really bad at blog post introduction paragraphs. Working on it.
And since there’s so much going on, I’m doing a currently-going-on list, which does contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.
Hi.
Biggest thing this month, I went cold turkey off coffee.
Yes, me.
Thing was, last Monday, I came off yet another sleepless night. And I wanted to DO SOMETHING.
And so, I thought it was time for an experiment. I thought that the insomnia and heartburn issues that spring from my anxiety would be calmed if I cut out the caffeine.
I’ve started a journal of the experience, which I’ll share more of at the end of the month.
Current findings:
Tea is OK. Rooibos is still amazing
Fruit is DELICIOUS.
I’m still hungry.
My mother thinks I’m nuts. Take this conversation:
Me: I um, cut out coffee.
Ma: Why would you do that?
Me: To see if it helps my anxiety levels.
Ma: But your anxiety has nothing to do with caffeine.
Me: I know, but every little bit helps?
SPOILER ALERT: My anxiety has nothing to do with caffeine.
But we shall see. Today marks seven days without coffee. Please stay tuned.
And so, there’s that. There’s also still very little sleep. But I’ve found some books to help me out of my reading slump.
Recently the fam and I took a road trip and I was able to finish Miracle Creek on the road.
Now, Netgalley suggested I read this, so I did. Thanks Netgalley.
On one side, it’s a legal mystery, fast paced trial scenes and all. Love those. But it also deals with both sides of whether autistic and disabled kids should be ‘healed’.
This book made me angry and sad, and then just sad. But I couldn’t stop reading it, and it took me three days to finish.
I agreed with not a lot of it, but didn’t want to throw it across the room. You guys need to read it so we can talk about it.
Currently planning:
My anniversary, which this year includes another road trip and house viewing. And I’d love to have lunch where we got married six years ago.
Isla’s birthday, which this year includes a baseball game. In London. Previous London trips are here and here.
Currently waiting on:
My new oven to arrive. How very domestic. Not really. Since the last stove story, the delivery men kinda forgot about us, but promise to arrive this week.
Currently working on:
My 40 things to do before 40 list.
And I’m reading through some of the stuff in this year’s BC Stack. Check out the stack of blogging goodies over here.
How is June treating you?
What are you looking forward to?
Read any good books lately?
Any pointers to share on the no coffee deal?
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21 Comments
Okay… So, the no coffee thing… I can’t help with, as I don’t drink it!
But well done, you, for 7 days off!
June is an up and down month.
I’m back to school and in full prep for assessments and reports, as well as getting set for next year’s academic adventures! And training days in London too!
It’s busy, and a tad stressful, but paves the way for a lovely July and end of year activities!
And this weekend is the Annual Bloggers Bash, so, yeah. Excited there!
Along with letting my baby go. It’s Lil Princess’s first ever residential trip for 4 nights. Nervous mum but excited daughter!
And finally, it’s my Lil Man’s birthday this month… He’s turning 14 and I’m wondering where the time has gone!
Cutting out coffee is HARD. But I feel so much better for it. Not that I don’t still have a caffeine monkey on my back; I do. However, I have found that there is a world of difference between green tea caffeine and coffee caffeine in terms of my ability to sleep at night. And I do miss coffee, but I decided I like sleep more, though, so I have happily restricted my coffee intake to a cup a year at most.
Also, tips: You will feel and be dumb for a while. This gets better. You will have headaches. Those also get better. Opinions vary regarding whether stepping down or going cold turkey is best with regards to caffeine. I prefer the step method; my dad is a cold turkey. Also how we both quit smoking, so I’m guessing it’s a personality thing. If you are struggling, I recommend the step method. Coffee to black tea to green tea to white tea to decaf is my path of choice. Note, though, that I have not made it past green tea on that path since having children. I’ve decided to put off trying to completely decaffeinate until they’ve moved out.
Here’s hoping tea gives you better sleep. Everything’s better with sleep.
Good luck without the coffee! This month is all about prepping for baby’s arrival. Lots of washing. Got to sort out the hospital bag and finishing work.
Not long to wait now. I’m thinking of you! x
I can’t imagine going off coffee! I hope it helps you get restful sleep.
I went decaf about 3 years ago. Tea and coffee. It took a couple of weeks to start sleeping well. Apparently coming off caffeine is worse than being on it. But once you’re off it’s better.
I’ve got a family weekend at Center Parcs planned for the end of June. Hope the weather cheers up!
Good luck with the no coffee, I have never drank it but I hear it does help a little with anxiety though I don’t understand why. Cannot wait to hear how it helps you xx
I seriously thought I could not live without coffee and still chasing around my 2 and 3 year old. However, I havent had it since March. I tried it once and drumped it out because I thought it tasted nasty. I think coffee changes your taste buds. It definitely has helped with my anxiety. I would love to hear how it helps with yours!
– Ashley (IrishTwinsMomma.com)
Caffeine is a type of drug that promotes alertness. Caffeine begins to affect your body very quickly. It reaches a peak level in your blood within 30 to 60 minutes. It has a half-life of 3 to 5 hours, and half-life is the time it takes for your body to eliminate half of the drug. The remaining caffeine can stay in your body for a long time. So yes I will say you’re onto a good thing, maybe I should at least cut on my coffee consumption. Not sure if I will be able to go cold turkey but so happy for you that you can do it and keep it up for 7 days already.
I couldn’t survive without coffee. I drink a ton of herbal tea too.
I wake up with anxiety when I don’t meditate. In my case, I think it’s from being on a medication for four years that messed with my brain’s wiring. (Breast cancer) Sleep also messes with me. Night before last, I woke up at 3:00 and couldn’t go back to sleep until 6:00. Then someone from my book club sent a group text at 7:00. Yesterday was TOUGH!!!!
I feel like a human today!
I can survive without coffee as I am a tea drinker though I drink coffee sometimes. But only before 5 pm. You can try 100% lavender essential oil diffuser at home before going to bed. It helps sleeping tight.
Thanks, Thelma. I have lavender sachets and stuff, but in terms of diffusers, my husband is allergic to literally everything that smells good.
well, one I’m really impressed that you quit coffee cold turkey. And I love the conversation you had with your mom about it, too. Glad to read the spoiler alert though. I struggle with anxiety, but I just LOVE coffee. SO MUCH. HOW DO YOU DO IT? Does Rooibus help? I can learn to adapt, right?
Happy almost anniversary, and that’s so fun you have trips and a walk down memory lane to look forward to <3 Also thanks for the book suggestion; just added it to my list!
June’s been good so far. I’m looking forward to my work trip to San Jose next week. As for coffee … I’ve got nothing for you. I gave up caffeine once.
Worst 7 minutes of my life.
I can’t help much with the coffee since I don’t drink it myself. I’m a green tea drinker, which has a little caffeine in it but it’s apparently very good for you. Happy birthday to Isla 😊
I’m dealing with insomnia too 😢 I know why, but that doesn’t help me sleep at night. I might give up coffee too, and see if that helps. (Then again, with no sleep and no coffee, I’m not sure I could function.) Worth considering and maybe I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the great idea!
Has the coffee thing helped?? My friend at work did it and swore by the change. I am too weak😋
I’m back up to two from four. So, I have cut down. Sleeping better, but waking anxiety still up.
I find mine gets worse in the heat. Much worse. And with hormone stuff. I then want chocolate and that make a me anxious about my health 😣 no win
Chocolate is good for you, though. Dark chocolate, mostly. I won’t link, because it’s a slippery slope to Googling medical shit. But it is.
I will absolutely take your word for it😊