Life After Coffee
The Journey
I have to admit—I was a devoted coffee drinker. Starting my day without that warm, aromatic cup felt unimaginable. I loved the rich aroma, the comforting ritual, and the quick boost of energy it gave me to tackle my day. Coffee wasn’t just a habit; it felt like my secret weapon for focus and productivity. So, when I decided to give it up, it wasn’t an easy choice—but it turned out to be one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made.
Why did I quit? At first, it was purely for health reasons. But what I didn’t expect was how this change would positively impact my intuition and spiritual clarity. As I adjusted to life without coffee, I began to notice a deeper sense of calm, heightened focus, and a stronger connection to my inner guidance.
No Time Like The Present
Once I worked up the nerve to give the 'no coffee' thing a try, after twenty years of enjoyment, I searched all over for help on 'how-to' but there wasn't much information out there. Then I had the idea to do a sort of bridge therapy and stop drinking coffee but keep the morning ritual with a similar-tasting hot beverage that still gave me a boost!
Forget about the headache. I took a free fall into the abyss. Life lost meaning and I had zero mental focus. I was scattered-brained for a solid week. Dopamine was no longer being released with my morning dose so all feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and heightened focus disappeared. Because I abruptly stopped drinking coffee, all those glorious side effects ghosted me.
So, I decided to write an article that read like a step-by-step how-to guide on how to quit coffee so that you don’t have to suffer through that first week like I did. And I vowed to never let myself become so addicted again.
Start With Habits
First is finding your own 'why' for quitting before navigating the 'how'. It sounds cliche but knowing why can be a lifeline when it gets hard. Jot down your pros and cons and make sure the pro side of that list is bigger than the con side. Some common reasons are improved sleep, reduced anxiety, balanced mood, financial savings, and vanity metrics like glowing skin.
Focus next on understanding habits in general. Take the Four Tendencies Quiz by Gretchen Rubin to know your tendency - am I an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel? Knowing yourself makes it easier.
The Plan: Preparing for Change
Establishing healthy routines before taking the plunge is essential. Create a supportive environment by scheduling self-care activities, stocking up on nourishing foods, and setting aside time for emotional ups and downs. Embrace the journey with kindness and grace. Sleep, water, and sunshine are your best friends. You will have to allow your brain to wake up naturally. Give yourself extra time in your morning routine.
Start by choosing 30 days to be kind to yourself then take that first week off work
Line up therapy, massages, acupuncture, and stock your fridge
Try cold plunges and saunas
Drink filtered water (I listened to meditation about water's importance)
Consider taking supplements like L-tyrosine and Rhodiola to avoid coffee depression
Find A Coffee Alternative
While there are many coffee alternatives, finding the perfect fit can be challenging. I love the taste of coffee and most replacements fall short on flavor and satisfaction. Lots of experimentation in the kitchen led me to a blend of cacao and adaptogens.
The addition of adaptogens like ashwagandha, moringa, holy basil, reishi, and chaga helped me combat stress and support my immune system during the transition. The cacao provided me with the dopamine hit I craved and the chai and small dose of caffeine. The Dandy Blend provides a bitter flavor profile and the coconut oil gives the beverage a creamy consistency when blended.
Recipe: Creamy Cacoa & Adaptogen Blend
Ingredients:
1 tsp Blue Lotus Golden Masala Chai
1 tsp Dandy Blend
1 tsp Four Sigmatic Adaptogen and Mushroom Blend Balance Mix
1 tsp cacao powder
Optional: Pinch of salt and cinnamon
Optional: Multi Collagen Peptides Powder
The First Week of Cold Turkey
During the first week of quitting coffee, I experienced withdrawal symptoms akin to ADHD, struggling to concentrate and feeling irritable. These symptoms were strong for about three weeks even though I was still having some caffeine. To alleviate these symptoms, I relied on the following supplements and lifestyle hacks. I create clickable links for you if you are overwhelmed and ready to get started.
Managing blood sugar, stress, and exercising
I kept Michael Pollan's "This Is Your Mind on Plants" as a reminder of psychoactive substances' power. I also obsessively watched this 15-minute clip with Michael Pollan on the Joe Rogan Podcast just to remind myself that I wasn’t alone.
Morning Routine
Splash cold water on the face
Step outside for fresh air
Drink lemon water
Sip a hot adaptogenic beverage while listening to podcasts/audiobooks
Practice self-care like face massage
Do yoga, meditation, or walk
This routine helped wake up my brain gradually. Hydration was key during this time, so I drank plenty of water throughout the day.
I also turned to mindfulness practices to support my journey. BrainTap meditations, such as "The Power of Water," helped me overcome obsessive thoughts about coffee and stay grounded in my commitment to wellness. It played a crucial role in switching my thought patterns to have water take top priority as my beverage of choice.
Allowing Time for Your Brain to Wake Up
One crucial aspect of my morning routine is allowing time for my brain to wake up gradually. A couple of tricks that work wonders for me include splashing cold water on my face first thing and stepping outside to breathe in some fresh air. This helps to clear the cobwebs. Then, I like to sit with my hot beverage while I listen to a podcast or book on tape.
Pro-tip
Make sure you are managing your blood sugar with a healthy diet. Managing your stress and exercising. It is important to take extra good care of yourself.
Incorporating massage therapy or some form of self-care into your routine not only brings physical relief but also nourishes your soul with a vital nutrient: Vitamin L, also known as the "love" vitamin. Vitamin L plays a crucial role in catalyzing human functions, particularly benefiting heart health, digestion, and nervous system function.
Sleeping Better
One unexpected benefit of quitting coffee and incorporating a healthier morning routine was improved sleep quality. Without the caffeine-induced jitters and crashes, my body found it easier to relax and unwind in the evenings. Additionally, the adaptogens and calming properties of the cocoa blend helped promote a sense of calm and tranquility, setting the stage for restful sleep.
If you're struggling with sleep issues, consider incorporating calming rituals into your daily routine to support better sleep hygiene. Remember, quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
Coffee & Mediumship
Caffeine, while a beloved boost for productivity, can heighten stress hormones, disrupt sleep, and create a sense of mental "noise" that interferes with the quiet, receptive state needed to connect with Spirit. Since letting go of my coffee habit, I've noticed an added bonus: I feel more grounded, centered, and connected during my readings. Without the caffeine buzz, I’m able to achieve a clearer, more open mind that allows me to receive messages with greater ease and depth. Reducing caffeine has helped create the calm, receptive space needed for spirit communication, making my mediumship practice feel more natural and fulfilling.
Exploring More Coffee Alternatives
Green Tea: With its subtle caffeine content and abundant antioxidants, green tea provides a gentle energy boost and supports overall well-being.
Dandelion Root Tea: Known for its detoxifying properties, dandelion root tea offers a caffeine-free alternative that aids digestion and promotes liver health.
Lemon Water: Starting the day with a glass of warm lemon water not only hydrates the body but also alkalizes the system and supports detoxification.
Kombucha: This fermented tea beverage not only offers a tangy flavor but also provides probiotics that support gut health and immunity.
Wrap Up
Knocking the coffee habit was hard enough. I am not ready to go caffeine-free so I keep my consumption to under 100mg a day. I am giving myself a year of healing for my nervous system and adrenals. I am concurrently working on balancing my blood sugar after the nasty effects of constantly raised glucose and insulin due to the high levels of cortisol in my bloodstream.
While I miss drinking coffee, I discovered how much it held me hostage. If you're considering making the switch from coffee to alternatives, I encourage you to explore the options available and find what works best for you. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Please note that while I share my journey and the supplements I incorporated, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.