Step1
Motivate yourself to give up coffee. Keep in mind that coffee drinkers tend to be more groggy and sleepy in the morning than nondrinkers. You will eventually feel more awake and energetic than when you needed coffee to start the day.
Step2
Wean yourself slowly, especially if you drink several cups throughout the day.
Step3
Caffeine is addictive, and you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop too abruptly. Symptoms are usually mild to severe headaches, fatigue, nausea and depression.
Step4
Gradually halve the amount of coffee you drink each day. For example, if you drink six cups a day, cut back to three, then one and a half, and so on. If you get withdrawal symptoms, do it more gradually.
Step5
As another approach, gradually replace your caffeinated coffee with decaf. Drink the same number of cups, but increase the decaf and decrease the regular coffee until you are drinking 100 percent decaf.
Step6
Get enough sleep at night. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours a night to feel rested.
Step7
Maximize your sleep. Keep your room dark and cool, eliminate or minimize noise, and sleep on a comfortable bed.
Step8
Speak to your doctor if you have problems with insomnia or other sleep disorders. Not sleeping soundly will keep you feeling groggy and tired in the morning.
Step9
Open the shades and turn on the lights when you get up in the morning.
Step10
Bright light signals your brain that it's time to wake up.
Step11
Eat a high-protein breakfast. Some researchers believe that protein will wake you up and keep you energized.
Step12
Avoid sugary pastries. They give you an energy surge and then a rapid slump.
Step13
Work out in the morning. Exercise will give you more energy.
Step14
Drink green tea if you still want some morning caffeine. It contains a much smaller amount than coffee, particularly drip coffee, and is a potent antioxidant and an all-around healthful drink.
Comments
TinasArk said
on 10/24/2007 Drink extra water to help flush your system clean. A nice alternative is Dandelion "coffee".
d-max said
on 7/29/2007 I gave up coffe-I had headaches for three days (use advil) and felt fine for about four days after that. Then I started to feel like I had the flu, had headaches, cramping, sweating, nausea, and couldn't sleep. That lasted for three days. If you drink excessive amounts of coffee (72 ounces a day) expect this to happen to you. It is just withdrawal.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you have been drinking a whole cup of coffee each time, start drinking only a few sips. That way you get the taste of coffee and the satisfaction that you had coffee.
Anonymous said
on 2/1/2006 Keep your mind active the second you start feeling the slump or headaches. Find something to do that you enjoy. Find someone to talk to. Stay away from your boss or people who give you more headaches. Talk with your friends or family for a few minutes. Your mind will be more active after engaging in a lively conversation or just doing something you enjoy to forget that you have the coffee headache.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Dandelion root is an excellent alternative to coffee, and tastes are quite similar. It is available in many natural food stores, in the coffee or coffee substitute sections. A nice way to replace the coffee ritual!