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Yes I'm going for 7 straight days without a single cup of coffee.

Why?

Well I was starting to get dependent upon it. I was having at least 4 cups a day, sometimes more. Everytime I felt a little off at work, I would guzzle some liquid caffeine.

I noticed recently that if I went a day without any coffee I would get headaches - withdrawal symptom.

Time for action.

See here I'm going to log my 7 days without coffee!

DAY 1

Missed my normal morning coffee, felt a little tired leaving the house

At work – still a little groggy at 9.00. However on the plus side I feel like I have more mental clarity.

12.00 – habit has kicked in. I was working away when I thought, “Man I’m a little tired, I’ll grab a cup of coffee” – that was associated with a little pre-emptive buzz, my body anticipating the caffeine kick. Then I felt disappointed when I knew I wasn’t going to have it. I think I’ll have a few episodes like this.

Rest of day. Fine but definitely tireder than usual.

I've realized that coffee isn't just a drink, it's something to do. When I know I can't go make a cup, I'm also disappointed because I have nothing to do. I know how smokers feel now when they try to quit and complain that they don't know what to do with their hands.

DAY 2

Slept in! It’s only the second day and I’m up 2 hours later than I should be despite going to bed earlier!

Ok, what’s done is done – let’s move on.

At 9.30 am I’m noticing the mental clarity again. I’m not as easily distracted but at the same time I don’t feel as energetic as I usually do at this time. I would normally be on my second cup by now.

12.21 – Uh oh, definitely noticing the lack of caffeine now. Could really use a cup right now. Had some more water instead.

2.00pm – feeling good, energy is up, no complaints.

Rest of the day was fine, maybe this isn't going to be so bad. Tomorrow is Saturday and I've got to get up early and get a lot of stuff done - that'll be a good test.

Hey buddy,
I SO MUCH know what you are going through. I just LOVE my espresso in the mornings, and when I decided to stop the caffeine intake, I had a splitting headache for 2 days and was feeling so tired. Making espresso is a ritual I didn't want to miss... the crema, the aroma, that small bitter intake for the day... so I decided to search for an espresso decaf, which I did from Lavazza, and now I enjoy my morning espresso without the caffeine, and yet I need not skip what comes along with it.

I wish you the best in your further efforts mate! You are not alone...

Tim

now I enjoy my morning espresso without the caffeine, and yet I need not skip what comes along with it.

Good idea my man. I might switch to decaff permanently at the end of these 7 days. I still get to keep my little ritual

DAY 3

Had a long sleep last night, I'm well rested.

10.17 am No problem with tiredness so far today. However, I have a bit of a headache -it's slight but it's there.

I've been to the bank already and am about to take my daughter to the park. My energy levels are good. I'll fight the temptation to take a pill for the headache.
Time to go play with my wee girl

I'll update later...


9.41 pm - Feel asleep earlier. From 5.30pm to 7pm I went out like a light. It didn't help that I had just eaten a carby meal and was reading a book at the time but I'm sure a lack of caffeine had something to do with it too. Almost 10pm and I'm ready to sleep again zzzzzzzz

Day 4

6.03 pm - I think it's safe to say I'm over the worst of this. Woke up fine this morning and no headaches. Good energy levels. All is well

Mark, I applaud your experiment. I personally gave up all caffeine for a month. I will never do so again. I love both iced tea and coffee way too much. However, I always support people who want to make positive changes in their life, so good job!

I limit my coffee intake to only a pot a day.

DAY 5

8.44 am – Ok, this is not good. Slept in again. This time by only an hour but it’s definitely BAD.

I don’t think you realize just how much you were depending upon caffeine until you quit taking it altogether. However, knowing this has made me all the more determined to kick it.

At the end of this experiment, I’m not going to avoid caffeine at all costs e.g. there’s caffeine in both regular tea and green tea, but my consumption will be drastically reduced. Any coffee, however, will be decaffeinated.

DAY 6

This was the day when I seemed to be over the worst of it (I know I said that before). I was able to get up in the morning no problem and had stable energy the whole day.

I was also able to fall asleep easier at night. Not much to report today really – overall verdict is good.