5 Tips to Conquer a Caffeine Addiction Once and For All

Let's be real: many of us are dependent on caffeine. You might hate to admit it, but starting your day without a cup or two of coffee might leave you exhausted. All is well only after you get your hands on that piping hot, energy-boosting beverage. Caffeine is deceptive. Because it's super accessible and readily available, we often forget it's a stimulant—and an addictive one at that! Caffeine contains a molecule that fits snugly into your brain's adenosine receptors. It signals adrenal glands to release adrenaline, creating a continuous feeling of alertness.

Quitting caffeine has a bunch of perks, aside from allowing you to free yourself from the powerful wrath of addiction. Lowering your caffeine intake can lead to better quality of sleep, decreased anxiety, a better mood, brighter teeth, financial savings, and the list goes on and on.
We want to let you know ahead of time that for regular consumers, cutting caffeine can trigger some initial withdrawal symptoms like cravings, fatigue, and headaches. Prepare yourself for temporary discomfort. After kicking caffeine for good, you'll feel worlds better and know it was beyond worth it! Check out this list of terrific tips to conquer your caffeine addiction once and for all.

1. Go for Green Tea

Green tea contains about a fifth the amount of caffeine as coffee and a boatload of incredible health benefits. Switching to tea will help you conquer a caffeine addiction, allowing you to slowly wean yourself off of caffeine slowly while keeping severe withdrawal symptoms at bay. The superfood also contains a bunch of anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It's also known to aid weight loss and regulate your blood sugar levels.

2. Meditate and Get More Rest

A day without caffeine can leave you feeling pretty darn irritable, ultimately stressing you out or exhausting your system. When you're feeling down, finding your center will serve you well. Deep breathing practices like meditation can ground your physical and mental being. It'll help you concentrate better, heighten your awareness, and leave you feeling in control.
Meditation has a boatload of incredible health benefits to offer. Check out these 7 Mind Blowing Benefits of Meditation to learn more!

3. Opt for Energy-Boosting Meals or Snacks


Fighting fatigue with nutritious snacks makes it possible to kick a caffeine habit while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Foods made with clean ingredients fuel the body with the nutrients it needs while curbing hunger and keeping your metabolism running strong. Stock up on these 13 High-Energy Foods, made with all-natural, feel-good ingredients your body will thank you for!

4. Drink More Water


Feeling tired and groggy? If times like these would normally have you dashing to the nearest coffee joint, chances are you're dehydrated. Grabbing a coffee will only aggravate the situation. Caffeinated beverages give you a quick jolt, then drain your energy due to their dehydrating properties. Reach for water instead!
It never hurts to hydrate. Here are 4 Reasons You Should Drink More Water (besides conquering caffeine dependence)!
If you're bored with gulping down plain water and want to shake things up, try this delicious and uber-nutritious Coconut Water! Bursting with electrolytes, coconut water is great for your immune system and super hydrating.

5. Don't Quit Cold Turkey!


Although gradually reducing your caffeine intake takes longer than eliminating the drug from your diet entirely, this "weaning off" method has a higher success rate and won't drive you nearly as crazy! Aside from being less shocking to the system, cutting caffeine slowly will help you avoid those nightmarish caffeine-deprivation headaches and reduce the severity of other withdrawal symptoms as well. It'll also allow you to function and be productive, increasing the likelihood of you breaking your caffeine habit altogether!

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