Is coffee making anxiety worse? The question floats in mid-air not wanting to stick. Surely it couldn’t be or could it? You feel the anxiety starting to build, the very thing you’re trying to break down. But don’t worry, I have all the facts inside this post, so stay tuned to learn the truth.
We all suffer from anxiety from time to time – in fact, it’s a necessary part of life. It’s needed to keep us out of danger and alive. Yes, anxiety is a good thing, at least in small doses and with a defined purpose.
It’s the anxiety that boils without a purpose that we need to be more aware of.
Whether it’s being anxious about being anxious or being anxious without explanation – these are both sights that maybe anxiety is getting fueled from another source – a hidden source like coffee.
Today on the podcast, I answer the question, is coffee {or caffiene} making your anxiety worse?
how food affects your mood
Food has great power to influence your mood {learn more in this post}. And coffee or caffeine is no different, unfortunately. Technically speaking, caffeine is a stimulant. Which could be bad news for some.
This can cause the jittery feeling or even if you don’t feel the jitters it is still having the same “fight or flight” response inside the body, which is where caffeine can fuel your anxiety to spiral out of control – through the effects on hour stress-system, inducing our fight-or-flight response.
If you’re suffering from unexplained or persistent anxiety – you may want to rethink your caffeine consumption. At least give it a trial run to see how your body responds.
caffeine detox
A caffeine detox probably sounds like the least enjoyable thing you could muster up the energy to do – but I promise it may help more than just your anxiety. In this post, I share how caffeine could be harming your hormones – and ultimately give you the tips to cleanse yourself. For the nitty-gritty in detoxing from caffeine check out that post.
For now, I wanted to share five ways to ease into a caffeine-free lifestyle.
1. start on the weekend or on vacation
Vacation may seem like the worst place to start a caffeine detox – right when you wanted to consume it for comfort. But it happens to be one of the best because you’re in a more naturally rested and content state.
Of course, stress is going to trigger your need for coffee or caffeine as is a lack of sleep. So starting when you know you’ll be more rested and less stressed is the best place to start.
2. keep a list of ways it’s improving your life
It’s easy to miss all the little ways your life and your health may be improving on a caffeine detox. So make sure you keep a list – daily looking for ways you are starting to feel better. It could be tiny things, like less bloating but keeping a list will help remind you it is good. This will help you stick with it and finish out the detox to start to understand how good it is for your body.
3. consume a decaf version
Decaf isn’t my ideal place to be either – but you have to start somewhere and if it’s decaf – do decaf. The real story is, you have to do what works for you. So if you can’t give up coffee then give up the caffeine and allow yourself the decaf version.
4. Find productive substitute
While the decaf version may help the transition away, I still think it’s great to look for a productive alternative to the caffeine. What I mean by that is to be aware of why it is you need it? Are you looking for more energy, comfort, warmth, or something completely different? Know why and then start trying out substitutes to see if you can fulfill the craving without giving into caffeine.
For instance, if you’re looking for warmth, grab a new sweater, take a hot bath, turn up the heat at home. If you’re looking for energy, try going on a walk, getting some sunlight, foam rolling, or essential oils. Don’t just give it up by finding a way that you can do it while enjoying and fulfilling those cravings.
5. Prepare for the caffeine withdrawal
I couldn’t send you out without warning you – caffeine withdrawal is a very real thing. Be prepared for it. It usually doesn’t hit right away, but day two and three can be a real beast. Keep yourself hydrated, well-fed, and get some extra rest.
Don’t push too hard and like point number one said, start on the weekend or in a season where you’re less stressed to begin with. Be prepared, it might now be as bad as you think, but if the withdrawal strikes you don’t want it to get the best of you.
you do you
Most importantly, this has to be something you want. Not just another thing you think you need to do. Frankly, we don’t need that mindset anymore, and it doesn’t set yourself up for success. I’m just bringing you the facts, that this could be making things worse. And why not try it out, in your timing and your way if it fits.
Most importantly, stop for a bit and try to gain some awareness around the subject. There’s no point in inducing extra anxiety if you don’t have to, right?
DON’T FORGET to grab the download below if you’re planning on doing a 10-day Caffeine detox. It will help you plan accordingly and allow you space to write out what you plan to do and what you plan not to do.
healthy alternatives
As the famous saying goes, “eat this – not that,” it’s not about just giving it up but finding a healthy option you like. Here are some solutions you could try:
- How water + Lemon
- Teeccino
- Ayurvedic Roast French Vanilla
- Green Juice
- Golden Milk Latte
- Citrus Refresher
- Vanilla Almond Steamer
- Herbal Teas
- Rooibos Tea Blend
- Bone Broth
- Vanilla Chai Dandelion Latte
Try it out; what do you have to lose? Make sure you let me know how you come out at the end of the 10-day caffeine detox! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram or Facebook! Can’t wait to hear it!
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