Let’s Talk Coffee

Black gold, elixir of life, nectar of the gods… call it what you want but chances are you want it every morning. What is it you enjoy about it? Is it the smell or taste? Maybe the taste after you put in enough cream to make it as beige as an off-white shirt. Is the making of it a soothing and familiar morning ritual? Maybe it is an integral part of the quiet time you enjoy in the morning that sets the tone for the day. The warmth of coffee reminds me of getting together with friends for coffee dates. Those steamy coffee smells are a backdrop to friendly chats and meetups I used to (and still do) enjoy!

You probably have pleasant feelings about coffee, and I would never try and talk anyone out of enjoying it, but I would be remiss if I didn’t challenge your thinking around it.

I would argue that if you consider yourself addicted, then you of all people should consider a temporary moratorium. Much like any addiction, if you have gotten to the point of needing it to function normally, it is not doing you any favors. Your first cup in the morning is not about the pleasure it gives you; it is about stopping the withdrawal symptoms that begin overnight. You might notice some surprising changes when you give yourself a hiatus from the ol’ bean juice.

If you fast from coffee and find you don’t feel like ‘yourself’, consider what that means. You will never understand your relationship with caffeine until you get off of it. I would encourage you to get to know yourself without coffee for a span of time. You can substitute green tea (1/3 the caffeine of coffee) for something hot to sip on. Notice what happens. Does anxiety drop? Does your sleep improve? Ask friends and family if they have noticed a change. Most of all I want you to get curious! Challenge your normal. See if you feel better.

And, if not, cheers to caffeine with all my blessings.

Get well, stay well