Should I Give Up Coffee? | Marla Ahlgrimm

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but many of us would argue that that title actually goes to our morning cup of coffee. But, as Marla Ahlgrimm explains below, letting go of our caffeinated vice can actually have health benefits that do us far more good than that initial jolt of energy.

Less caffeine equals less anxiety

Coffee is a stimulant that increases adrenaline and activates the nervous system. It keeps the body in a mild fight-or-flight state that can keep you on edge. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, eliminating coffee altogether may help your body feel calmer and more at rest. You may also feel fewer panic symptoms, such as a high heart rate and shakiness, during high-stress situations.

Reduced mood swings

Because your body is in a constant state of mild emergency, keeping it full of coffee may actually decrease your ability to regulate your emotions. Reducing or significantly lowering your caffeine intake can help keep your moods stable so that you have fewer moments of irritability. And although you won't have the fast dopamine spike associated with drinking coffee, Marla Ahlgrimm says you also won't have the subsequent crashes.

Better sleep

While coffee can help you maintain your focus in the mornings, it can also lead to issues at night. Caffeine blocks certain hormones that signal sleepiness, and Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this can significantly delay your ability to fall asleep, long after the coffee has effectively left your system. You may also experience deeper and more restorative sleep cycles. When you eliminate coffee, you give your body a chance to stay in R.E.M. sleep longer so that you experience fewer nighttime disruptions and awaken fresher than ever.

More energy

Believe it or not, Marla Ahlgrimm says that reducing coffee may actually give you more consistent energy levels throughout the day. Once your body regulates to being without coffee, you may find that proper nutrition is all it takes to give yourself sustained and steady energy. You also won't be relying on repeated “doses” to keep you going. You'll no longer need a midday pick-me-up to fight caffeine dips.

Mental clarity

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, another side effect of reducing or eliminating caffeine intake is that you'll eliminate overstimulation followed by fatigue. This can lead to better mental clarity, as your brain and body can support clear and consistent thinking without the brain fog tied to constant up-and-down caffeine cycles.

Coffee alternatives

Many women continue to drink coffee, even if it makes them feel tired and cranky later, simply because they enjoy the ritual. Instead, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests trying sugar-free hot cocoa or hot teas. These can give you the same experience as drinking a hot cup of coffee, but without the negative side effects. And although you may experience some symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, such as headaches and fatigue, in the days after your last cup of coffee, Marla Ahlgrimm reassures that this is a temporary situation that your body will resolve without a trip to Starbucks.