In moderation, caffeine can offer a big boost to your physical and mental health. Better mood, higher cognitive function, improved athletic performance and less fatigue are just a few of the many study-proven benefits.
There is too much of a good thing, however. If you find yourself downing three or more cups of java before noon, for example, you’ll likely need to curtail the habit. This is because it’s fairly easy to get hooked – and cutting back can even lead to withdrawal symptoms like headache, irritability, nausea, and depressed mood.
Caffeine withdrawal is recognized as a syndrome in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Plus, excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to some serious side effects that can make staying sober even harder than it already is. These include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Jitters
- Headaches
Wake Up Without Caffeine
Luckily, a few fairly simple tweaks to your morning routine can help you cut back on caffeine. Start with these three.
- Reach for H20. Whether you drink it hot or cold, waking up and drinking water will help fuel your brain and make you feel refreshed and alert.
- Begin the day with meditation. Instead of bouncing out of bed and heading to the coffee maker, make meditation your new morning ritual. This powerful yet simple relaxation technique will put you in a positive state of mind and minimize any caffeine withdrawal symptoms you’re experiencing.
- Get up and get moving. Exercise is the perfect way to rev your energy – and it may even make you feel more alert than that cup of coffee. Do some jumping jacks, go for a walk or just stretch – the idea is to just get your body moving.
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