May 30, 2009
The Decision To Quit Caffeine
The decision was not difficult. It started several months ago with the realization that drinking full-caf coffee made me anxious. So I quit full caf coffee and switched to decaf, but was still drinking diet sodas with full caffeine. The caffeine in diet soda is much, much less than in coffee, but it's still there. Within the last few days I've quit drinking caffeinated diet sodas, and switched to entirely caffeine free sodas. My anxiety is dramatically decreased, in spite of extreme stress at work. Those of you who have anxiety know that it's a separate phenomenon from worry: it's not necessarily *about* anything, though it pretends to be. It's a generalized fear that makes your mind spin over and over again on the same pointless point, and it can be anything from distracting to debilitating.
I am still drinking green tea, which is very low in caffeine, but I don't think I would have more than one cup at a time. I strongly urge anyone who has anxiety problems to try cutting back on caffeine. I suffered my entire life with anxiety and it's been almost eliminated simply by cutting out caffeine. If you don't have anxiety and you love your coffee, drink up! I don't think it has negative health effects, I just find that it causes anxiety for me.
Meanwhile, work is crazy, life is wonderful, and I am cooking with rhubarb while making get out the vote calls for the election that is Wednesday!
Posted by april at May 30, 2009 3:31 PM
Comments
In my opinion with enough of any stimulant everyone becomes anxious. It's not just "some people". Perhaps some people are so out of touch with their minds and bodies that they can't recognize it.
Good to know you're politically active. Are you supporting a pro-CRON candidate?
Posted by: Drew Patterson at May 31, 2009 8:26 AM
Caffeine is quite addictive. Soft drink manufacturers add it because it increases repeat sales. Caffeine can give you an energy boost, but you may later suffer headaches, restlessness, and other withdrawal symptoms.
I cut out caffeine because even two cups per day were enough to give me horrible headaches when I stopped the coffee. I have lived quite well without it for 30 years.
Posted by: Tony at June 4, 2009 2:04 PM
Congratulations! YAY for you!
Coffee is a head-fuck and a huge waste of money.
I love being vegan! And I love being free from caffeine addiction. And off of decaf too .. since, oddly, to me, decaf is just about as addictive as caffeine .. minus the withdrawal symptoms.
It such a great feeling to be free from such addiction.
Some decaffeination inspiration: http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/2004nl/040700pucoffee.htm
Posted by: CRWilliam at June 30, 2009 3:13 AM