I wrote the caffeine experiment and posted it on January 31st. At the time I had amassed 10 days of being caffeine free – no coffee, green tea, dark chocolate, nothing. It’s just conveniently occurred to me that it’s been over a month now since I’ve actually consumed any caffeine. There’s your answer to whether I stuck with it or not. A promise is a promise.
Doing something for 30 days isn’t really an achievement. And No, I’m not playing down your successful 30 day squat challenge, 30 days of paleo and 30 days of not masturbating. You done great to get there. But, a 30 day stint is more of a ‘water testing’ phase in my opinion. In other words, it’s an introductory phase.
By day 30 you should know whether whatever it is you’re trying/eliminating is adding or detracting from your quest to self-improvement. You will have seen clues, but you’re by no means in a place to truly judge……..yet.
I think 90 days is a purer test, and that’s what I’m targeting.
Anyway, back to the present; let’s outlay my personal findings at the 30 days mark………..
The good:
- MUCH MUCH MUCH less mental instability; no excessive mental energy without the clarity to focus it on anything worthy or even productive
- I’m a little easier on myself. No excess self criticism after any event that didn’t go exactly as I’d hoped.
- My sleep is unquestionably better. If I’m working early I have a much easier time getting to sleep than I used to – even though I used to not drink any caffeine on days I’d have to sleep earlier that night. Being off caffeine permanently does far more.
- My strength and endurance hasn’t really taken the hit I was braced for. Obviously I can’t say I wouldn’t have been slightly stronger if I’d been abusing coffee like old times, but nonetheless, I’m doing OK.
The (slightly) bad:
- HUNGER. It’s true what they say, caffeine DOES blunt hunger and suppresses appetite. I have always had a vast appetite and without caffeine, it really shows.
- Flavour/taste. I like or like(d) the taste of coffee and green tea. I guess you could say I’m limited in terms of beverage variety, although it’s not so bad; there’s plenty of herbal teas and other options. A personal favourite of mine is homemade lemonade (a mix of warm lemon water, honey and sea salt)
The numbers don’t lie. As you can see, the positives outweigh the negatives. I honestly believe we all have differing tolerances and responses with regards to caffeine. I’ve never lacked energy and drive, but then again my diet is almost 100%. Most of society is so caffeine dependant because they have to use it to mask cracks in other departments; diet sleep and maybe even other addictions.
30 days is nothing when you’ve had a lifetime playing for the other team. I’m going to trek on to the 90 day mark and I honestly think, knowing me, It’ll be a lifetime habit by then, but we’ll see.
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