It’s old news now. I’ve been caffeine free for three weeks as of yesterday. The cravings are gone and I haven’t been missing the “ritual” of afternoon tea now that I’ve embraced rooibos
The benefits of improved sleep seem to be filtering into all of my other daily activities, most notably push-ups! I had a couple weeks back there where I just felt constantly lethargic, the push-ups felt impossible, and I kept having to repeat weeks because I wasn’t progressing. Then last week I suddenly felt stronger and more energetic and I’ve finally graduated to Week 3 of the one hundred push-ups program. (I’ve also re-introduced protein smoothies to my diet, which may also be playing its part.)
I wasn’t sure if I’d stay off caffeine but now that I’m passed the danger zone and feeling good, I don’t feel hugely compelled to go back. I do miss the occasional coffee, and I confess to having a mug or two of decaf which is not 100% caffeine free. But for now I’ll just stay off caffeine completely and enjoy all this wonderful sleep! Zzzzzz.
After having been a serious caffeine addict, I have now gone almost 4 years caffeine free (I do occasionally drink decaf coffee, but I don’t count that). The first two weeks are the most difficult. After that, you realize that you are able to get moving in the morning just the same without caffeine as you did with a few cups of full strength brew. I subsequently kicked sodas (2 years), and realized that I don’t miss them either. It’s amazing how much caffeine and sugar we ingest on a regular basis without a second thought. The side benefit of all this is no more afternoon headaches, better sleep, and dropping 15 pounds.