Does your family avoid you until you’ve had your first cup of coffee in the morning? Do you have trouble functioning without that morning jolt of caffeine? If you’re worried about your dependence on caffeine, you aren’t alone.
Caffeine is quite possibly the most commonly used drug in the world. It alters mood and energy levels and can cause problems for your sleep patterns — and can be very hard to quit! You may not need to give up your beloved caffeine entirely, but there are lots of ways to cut back and still get your brain going in the morning.
- Take a look at your diet and see how much caffeine really is in there. Count up those cups of coffee or sodas — but don’t miss the other possible sources like energy drinks, diet aids, chocolate, and dietary supplements.
- Look at ways to cut down on the caffeine. Try switching your regular coffee for half-caf — you’ll still get the mental boost you want. Drink caffeine free sodas at least half the time. Try herbal teas over black teas — herbal teas are often lower in caffeine or caffeine free.
- Not getting enough of a morning boost without the caffeine? Try natural sunlight to help you wake up — take a ten minute walk outside, open the window shades, or put natural-light simulating bulbs in your lamps. A little bit of exercise will get the blood pumping without the stimulating drinks. Try a stretching routine, or a quick romp in the backyard with the kids.
- If caffeine is messing with your sleeping patterns, you want to watch when you drink, as well as how much you drink. Make your last cup of coffee (or other source of caffeine) is before dinner, if not earlier. This gives your body time to let the drug work its way through your system.