James' World 2

Click the link below the picture

.

A few months ago, I was on vacation with my boyfriend when I decided it was time for me to say goodbye to my caffeine habit. I’d been relying on a cup of coffee or loose-leaf tea to get me through the workday slog, PM activities, and even yoga classes since college. I didn’t need a health app to know my reliance on caffeine was psychologically unhealthy. And working in the health writing world made me aware that it can be physically damaging, too: The Mayo Clinic lists migraine headaches, insomnia, fast heartbeat, muscle tremors, and others, as side effects of drinking more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day (or its equivalent in soda, energy drinks, and tea). I was no “five shots of espresso a day” gal, but, I wondered: If I eliminated caffeine from my daily routine, would I lose the late-night jitters and afternoon crashes I’ve become used to? In turn, would I have more energy, be more productive, and sleep better, too?

The first work week was brutal. I thanked heavens I worked from my apartment, and this 17-minute Yoga with Adriene Energy Practice on YouTube became my best friend. But, by the following week, the afternoon wall I hit faded away (even sans Adriene) and I had a much easier time falling asleep. Fast-forward to two months later, and I’m happy to report I am still—somehow—caffeine-free. All the benefits I’d hoped for are real, and I even beat my mile time at Central Park’s reservoir. The five simple guidelines that follow are ones I’ve been living by:

1. Ease into it on vacation.

If you want to fast-track to the Land of Despair, starting your caffeine detoxification at work is an excellent idea. I found vacation an ideal time to lay off my caffeine habit. I could pop Strawberry Lemonade Nuun Electrolytes tablets to my heart’s delight. I could sleep in. And lying on the beach breezing through trashy romance novels doesn’t exactly require much concentration and energy. Once you have a week or so under your belt, post-vacation Monday still ranks pretty low, but at least you won’t have to add caffeine headache to your woes. your body also will likely find it easier to adjust to abstinence.

2. Keep a running list of all the ways giving up caffeine is improving your life.

Better sleep. More money in your pocket for artisanal seltzer. Less sugar or dairy in your diet (unless you drink your coffee black). Freedom from what is, technically, an addiction.

“Behavior change is often supported by connecting to the bigger values—the things that are important to you—that drive your life,” says Washington-based nutritionist Meghan Cichy, who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and chronic dieting. “When our perspective is more positive and connected to our values, it can actually help us to feel less crappy about going through it.”

. Illustration By George Wylesol

.

.

Click the link below for the article:

.

__________________________________________