How to Quit Coffee Cold Turkey
While coffee has been shown to have some health benefits such as increasing metabolism, the acidic drink can be hard on stomachs, and caffeine is a substance prone to be addictive. There may be times in your coffee-drinking life that a break from the java, whether temporary or permanent, is necessary. Quitting cold turkey may seem like a difficult choice, but you can make the process easier by taking a few important steps.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Accept that the first two days of going cold turkey off coffee will be the hardest. Anticipate being grouchy, having minor headaches and feeling spacey. Plan your meetings and dates for the next two days accordingly. Happily, most caffeine addictions can be broken in two days, and so the third day will be a breeze.
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2
Make a deal with yourself to go at least three days without coffee. Promise yourself a small reward at the end of three days that isn't a cup of coffee.
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3
Take a piece of paper or begin a Word document on your computer. Create a list of all the beneficial things that quitting coffee will bring into your life such as: saving money, staying hydrated, waking up naturally. Fill the list with items that you know will appeal to you specifically in a weak moment. Make two or three copies of this list and place them in prominent places where you can see them when you feel the need for coffee, such as your fridge, your desk at work or in your wallet. This way it will always be in view when you may be tempted.
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4
Carry a mild aspirin or acetaminophen with you at all times, especially during the first two days. Take one or two pills (as recommended by the pill bottle's instructions) on a full stomach whenever you feel a caffeine headache beginning.
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5
Carry a full water bottle with you at all times. Drinking water will hydrate your body, calming any jitters while keeping you in the habit of drinking liquids other than coffee. Try stainless steel bottles for the extra reward of going "green."
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6
Buy a few boxes of herbal tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, both which ease the stomach, and keep them in your kitchen at home and at work. Replace every cup of coffee you would have with a nice cup of herbal tea. While not a perfect substitute, sipping a hot or iced liquid will calm your cravings.
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7
Stay active and increase your exercise routine, especially in the morning. This will help you to wake up as well as maintain energy during the day. At the very least make the effort to walk more.
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8
Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep to insure being well rested.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not replace coffee with energy drinks, excess sugar or caffeine pills.
