The latest step in my constant journey for self-improvement has been a difficult one. A step that requires a strong mindset, consistent good night's sleep and a dash of pure insanity.
I've given up caffeine entirely.
I feel that sentence deserved to stand alone. It may be poor timing considering Starbucks recently brought back my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte. Damn you, Starbucks!
Whew, now on to the dets (as I fight off the urge to lick my computer monitor). I'm on day three of caffeine-free living, although I phased Coke out of my life (for the most part) about a year ago. But, in my mind, coffee stands alone, miles above all others. Jack with my morning coffee and someone's going to pay. That's not exactly a healthy mindset. I don't like feeling as if I have a substance dependency. And, I don't like feeling that I don't come alive until I've had my Joe. So, three days ago, Joe and I officially ended our relationship.
To ease the transition, I've allowed myself a cup of decaf in the morning. It looks the same, smells the same, but it's just not the same. I drink it anyway.
There's been a heavy dose of side-effects to accompany this decision. Monday at around 10, I felt as if I was going to pass out. Clammy. Head pounding. Desperate for a fix. This only reiterated my decision. By 2 p.m., I was pretty sure I was going to have to go home ... but I can't drive back to Shreveport like this ... might as well work through the pain. Tuesday, I experienced a similar pain, however far less intense. And today, I felt like I was sleepwalking through the morning. I said out loud to myself numerous times, "focus, focus."
The good news is that the headaches are becoming milder and milder. I think I'm coming out of that stage of detox where you're sweating and puking and hot and cold at the same time (these were not my actual symptoms).
You may all be asking one question at this point. Why? Essentially, I'm not getting any younger folks! Might as well kick the bad habits while I still can.
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7 comments:
Stephanie I can't believe you did this to yourself on purpose. Giving up my caffeine addiction, that began in law school, was not the hardest, wine was the hardest, but it was definitely difficult to give up when I found out I was pregnant. Although I don't understand why you would put yourself through that I am proud of you nonetheless.
Noooo! Why are you dumping Joe?
I can think of a ton of reasons to stay ON it! Haha
I did the same thing over a year ago. I had a huge Diet Coke habit, a bunch with every meal but never coffee. I will tell you Stephanie, it is the right thing to do. I feel so much better without the caffeine even though the beginning was tough.
And here is the best part...after you've been off of it for a while, you can use it sparingly as a pick me up. If I know I am out late and the DD, instead of water I will drink some Diet Coke and it helps keep me alert. I switch right back to water with no harm done.
I didn't like that I felt dependent upon it. Yesterday was my first headache-free day. I definitely think I can do this!
Misti, I do love Joe though. I always will.
you'll get use to the decaf!...i promise! i ditched caffeine a year or 2 ago and quickly learned to love decaf...i trick myself saying "it really does have SOME caffeine (though miniscule!). worked so far! :)
Mandy, it hasn't been so bad. It gets easier every day! However, considering your current sleep schedule, you may want to pick back up the habit!
ha! no kidding!
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