You’ve pledged to consume less caffeine, but life without lattes might seem bleak.
Never fear, you’ll learn to love the new you and soon see the benefits. It’s often hard to tell whether a product contains caffeine and how much. Small amounts are unlikely to be listed on food labels so look for ingredients like coffee beans, cacao, or green tea.
Many teas, chocolates and sweets, as well as over-the-counter medicines, contain caffeine and even decaf coffee contains small amounts (about the same as you’d find in a hot chocolate).
Here are 10 tips from Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP healthcare, on coping without caffeine:
1. Drink lots of water - You may be surprised by how much fluid you take in with cups of tea during the day. Make sure you replace your usual caffeinated drinks with an alternative. If you’re feeling tired and headachy, it could be because you’re dehydrated.
2. Get outside - Sitting at a desk, reading computer screens and office air conditioning can take their toll. A 15- minute walk outside will invigorate you with oxygen and daylight… even on a grey day.
3. Give your brain a workout - Stimulate your mind with a crossword or Sudoku.
4. Sweet treats - You don’t need chocolate to pick you up in the afternoon, reach for piece of fruit, like an apple or a clementine, instead and feel the rush of natural sugars.
5. The big chill - Try drinking ice-cold water. You can also run your wrists under a cold tap and splash some on your face, or suck on an ice cube.
6. Scents and sensibility - Essential oils like citrus, peppermint, or jasmine can be invigorating. Rub a few drops between your palms, cup your hands together and inhale.
7. Winter warmers - Giving up your caffeine fix can leave you craving a warm drink during cold months – try a cup of soup (miso is quick and easy) or a zingy peppermint herbal tea instead.
8. Cheating doesn’t pay - Don’t be tempted to substitute sugary drinks and foods to get the boost you got from your caffeinated ones… you’ll find the immediate pay-off is short-lived and followed by a slump.
9. Meditate - Not just for the Zen, meditation has gone mainstream. If you’re a novice, there are numerous apps and books to guide you.
10. Sleep - It seems obvious, but perhaps you’re feeling sluggish because you are, quite simply, tired. Rather than fight it, why not recharge with a power nap?