I’ve always said that caffeine does not affect me. I just enjoy my little morning ritual of drinking a warm beverage in bed before I have to face the day ahead.
After I started incorporating a third dose of caffeine in my day, it was time to face reality: I did in fact have an unhealthy reliance on coffee.
So, my rules for the week ahead would be simple:
- No coffee (not even decaffeinated).
- Tea and matcha are acceptable (despite their minimal caffeine content)
Don’t question it. These are my own arbitrary rules.
I would like to be able to say that the challenge started off strong, but that would be a lie. I was grumpy from the outset. I had zero energy. My former theory of merely enjoying a warm beverage in the morning was quickly disproven, as the green tea I had did not help my sour mood.
It did not get any easier by day two. In fact, I read online that the 24-72 hour period was the worst and I can definitely attest to that.
I drank a lot of green tea, matcha, and chai lattes that week. It was the only thing that could get me motivated to do my work. If you think I’m being dramatic, you’re probably right. But if by getting a silly beverage during the day helps me to achieve two more study hours, that is money well spent to me.
Honestly, most of the week was a blur. By the time Saturday rolled around I couldn’t help it. I broke one of my fundamental rules: I bought decaf coffee. This decision was justified by a few people’s reactions when I told them about this challenge.
One friend questioned the validity of the challenge, seeing as I was already consuming caffeine through other beverages: “Surely you can drink decaf?”
I’m no expert, but a friend who studies medicine, in my eyes, is as close to one as I’ll get. She claims that caffeine in and of itself is not harmful, especially in moderation. She agreed with the idea of an occasional detox to improve the effect of coffee but, in general, did not see it as anything inherently bad for you.
For now, that was enough reason for me. I had my decaf cup of joe that Saturday morning and enjoyed its bitter notes contrasted with the sweetness of my fluffy oat milk more than I ever thought I would. I still occasionally reach for the decaf coffee now, but my vanilla latte remains a solid choice most days.
I would recommend this challenge to anyone who feels like caffeine is not affecting them anymore. More than anything, sometimes we just forget to appreciate the little things that bring us joy each morning. This challenge was a nice way of reminding myself of that.
Image via Julia Twardzisz