When I last worked in an office, I was probably drinking the equivalent of 10-15 cups of coffee every weekday. I'm not sure how I functioned with that much caffeine in my system! I think I did it because drinking coffee was comforting and I felt I needed that comfort to deal with the intense stress of the workplace (which, of course, may have only been amplified by the ridiculous amount of coffee...).
While my consumption has significantly decreased (thank goodness!) I feel like my relationship with my morning cup(s) remains the same. It's less "I need this to wake up" and more "starting my day with coffee feels comforting, good, normal." In the afternoon, on the other hand, during that 2-3pm energy dip, that's when I say, "I'm so tired! I need coffee!"
That sounds so familiar, Joshua. Coffee often becomes more than stimulation... it’s comfort, routine, and a way to anchor ourselves when the day feels demanding indeed! What you describe shows how easily it turns from a physical need into an emotional one. I think the key, as you’ve already begun to do, is noticing those moments when it feels less about fatigue and more about reassurance. That awareness alone can change the habit/dependence.
Interesting! I have a tip for any fellow coffee fiends who’d like to (painlessly) reduce their caffeine intake. Mix half and half fresh caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee in the jar you store your coffee in. That way, whenever you make a pot you are only drinking the equivalent of a cup every 2 cups. Flavour still very satisfactory, and brain stimulation stays within sensible limits.
Oh, I love that, Esther. I’ll keep it in mind if I ever change my mind. I still miss my morning coffee! For now, though, I’ll be passing your tip on to my husband & mother-in-law! :)
Loved your distinction on brain health and mental health. I used to justify drinking morning cup of coffee. For the sake of ‘brain health’, not realising it was one of the reasons for anxious and stressful mornings.
I drink on mug of black coffee in the morning: medium roast, French! 😅 I love the smell and taste of coffee. Chocolate and coffee (mocha) is a super great combo, but also just an almonds croissant and coffee. If I have coffee outside, I order an Americano. But never more than two coffees a day, and never after 4 PM. 😂
It is interesting. I have anxiety issues and I've always felt that there was some kind of relationship between my caffeine intake and how I feel. I guess I was always confused because I wasn't sure if drinking excessive coffee was because I was not fully well, or if the extra coffee made me unwell. Like a chicken or egg question, am I becoming manic and drinking more coffee or is the extra coffee making me manic. I hope I'm making sense.
You make perfect sense, Matt :) That “chicken or egg” feeling is something many of us can relate to, I believe. The relationship between caffeine and anxiety isn’t always straightforward, and some of us are simply more sensitive to its effects than others. It can amplify what’s already there (tension, restlessness, even energy) which makes it hard to tell cause from consequence!
When I last worked in an office, I was probably drinking the equivalent of 10-15 cups of coffee every weekday. I'm not sure how I functioned with that much caffeine in my system! I think I did it because drinking coffee was comforting and I felt I needed that comfort to deal with the intense stress of the workplace (which, of course, may have only been amplified by the ridiculous amount of coffee...).
While my consumption has significantly decreased (thank goodness!) I feel like my relationship with my morning cup(s) remains the same. It's less "I need this to wake up" and more "starting my day with coffee feels comforting, good, normal." In the afternoon, on the other hand, during that 2-3pm energy dip, that's when I say, "I'm so tired! I need coffee!"
That sounds so familiar, Joshua. Coffee often becomes more than stimulation... it’s comfort, routine, and a way to anchor ourselves when the day feels demanding indeed! What you describe shows how easily it turns from a physical need into an emotional one. I think the key, as you’ve already begun to do, is noticing those moments when it feels less about fatigue and more about reassurance. That awareness alone can change the habit/dependence.
Interesting! I have a tip for any fellow coffee fiends who’d like to (painlessly) reduce their caffeine intake. Mix half and half fresh caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee in the jar you store your coffee in. That way, whenever you make a pot you are only drinking the equivalent of a cup every 2 cups. Flavour still very satisfactory, and brain stimulation stays within sensible limits.
Oh, I love that, Esther. I’ll keep it in mind if I ever change my mind. I still miss my morning coffee! For now, though, I’ll be passing your tip on to my husband & mother-in-law! :)
Loved your distinction on brain health and mental health. I used to justify drinking morning cup of coffee. For the sake of ‘brain health’, not realising it was one of the reasons for anxious and stressful mornings.
Hey Thought Architect, thank you for your kind comment. I am glad to hear this brought something new to you :)
And yes, depending on your predispositions, coffee can lead to anxiety symptoms :/
Take care, and thank you for stopping by.
I drink on mug of black coffee in the morning: medium roast, French! 😅 I love the smell and taste of coffee. Chocolate and coffee (mocha) is a super great combo, but also just an almonds croissant and coffee. If I have coffee outside, I order an Americano. But never more than two coffees a day, and never after 4 PM. 😂
Your coffee routine sounds very similar to mine Ann! Oh boy, how I miss my medium Italian roast ! 😅
It is interesting. I have anxiety issues and I've always felt that there was some kind of relationship between my caffeine intake and how I feel. I guess I was always confused because I wasn't sure if drinking excessive coffee was because I was not fully well, or if the extra coffee made me unwell. Like a chicken or egg question, am I becoming manic and drinking more coffee or is the extra coffee making me manic. I hope I'm making sense.
You make perfect sense, Matt :) That “chicken or egg” feeling is something many of us can relate to, I believe. The relationship between caffeine and anxiety isn’t always straightforward, and some of us are simply more sensitive to its effects than others. It can amplify what’s already there (tension, restlessness, even energy) which makes it hard to tell cause from consequence!
Looks like you are doing some interesting things. I like the articleon caffine
Well, I am working on getting to some balance
Wishing you all the best & sending you positive thoughts :)
Thanks Dr. Karen :) I trust you've been well <3