How to take a break from coffee
Taking a break from coffee might seem impossible—even psychotic—but there are times when two people who love each other very much just need a break. I mean … you know what I mean.
Benefits of coffee
Coffee has several perks (see what I did there?) that make it … about the best thing ever:
- Boosts energy levels: Caffeine helps increase alertness and reduce fatigue. Obviously.
- Enhances physical performance: Caffeine can improve endurance and strength during … workouts.
- Rich in antioxidants: Coffee naturally contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
- Improves cognitive function: Regular coffee consumption has been linked to better memory and cognitive function.
- May lower the risk of certain diseases: Studies suggest coffee may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer prevention: Newer research suggests that regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of some types of cancers, including prostrate and liver cancers.
Cons of coffee
To be fair, coffee isn’t perfect. I guess. There can be some downsides …
- Increases anxiety: High caffeine intake can lead to heightened anxiety and jitteriness.
- Disrupts sleep: Drinking coffee late in the day can interfere with sleep patterns.
- Digestive issues: Caffeine and the high acid levels of coffee can sometimes lead to stomach upset or make acid reflux worse.
- Raises blood pressure: For some people, drinking coffee can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure.
When to take a break from coffee
So as much as you love coffee … there may be times when you just need a break. (I know. It hurts me to say it, but stick with me.)
Health reasons
Certain health conditions can be improved by reducing or eliminating coffee intake.
- For your mental health: If you suffer from insomnia or anxiety, you might need a caffeine break.
- For your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, taking a break from coffee can eliminate those temporary spikes.
- For your digestive system: If you’re dealing with acid reflux or frequent stomach aches, cutting out coffee could help.
Caffeine tolerance reset
Over time, people develop a tolerance to anything, including caffeine—which, of course, means you need more to achieve the same effects. This is where “caffeine cycling” comes in.
Caffeine cycling is the practice of taking a break from all caffeine, in order to reset your body’s tolerance. When you start consuming caffeine again, you don’t need as much to achieve the same effects, like alertness and endurance. It usually takes about two weeks for the average person’s caffeine tolerance to reset.
Think of it like intermittent fasting … but for coffee. The break helps reduce your overall caffeine intake while still enjoying that buzz when you start drinking coffee again.
How to take a break from coffee
The best way to take a break from coffee depends on your goals and personal preferences. If you just need to reduce the acidity in your stomach, for example, other caffeinated beverages might be fine. If you want to do a round of caffeine cycling, however, you’ll need a different strategy.
Switch to decaf
Switching to decaf reduces your caffeine intake, but you still get some coffee. If you just want to reduce the overall caffeine for a bit, decaf can be a good choice.
Wind down gradually
Slowly cutting back on coffee is a gentle way to reduce your intake without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. You can reducing the amount you drink each day or mix regular coffee with decaf. This helps your body adjust gradually, minimizing the possibility of headaches or fatigue.
Quit coffee cold turkey
Going cold turkey is the fastest way to take a break from coffee, but there will be withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, and fatigue. If you want to stop all at once, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and make sure you have Ibuprofen on hand for your throbbing head.
How to come back to coffee
Ah, finally! Before you dive into a vat of coffee, consider.
It’s best to reintroduce coffee slowly, to avoid overwhelming your system. After all, you probably took a break to reduce tolerance or acid levels, so go slow.
Start with one cup of your favorite beans and see how you feel. Pay attention to your body and adjust accordingly. You might even want to stick with low-caffeine if you’re dealing with persistent health issues.
Coffee break FAQs
How long does it take to reset caffeine tolerance?
It takes the average adult about two weeks to reset caffeine tolerance. During this time, your body adjusts to functioning without the stimulant effects of caffeine.
How can I quit coffee without headaches?
To avoid the coffee withdrawal headache, reduce your consumption gradually rather than stopping abruptly. Stay hydrated, because dehydration can magnify withdrawal symptoms. You could also try replacing coffee with herbal teas or decaf help ease the transition.
