Who doesn’t love a nice cuppa or a coffee first thing? But problems can arise if we have too much of this everyday stimulant…
Decrease consumption gradually
Caffeine’s known for giving us energy, as it triggers the release of adrenaline — the ‘fight or flight’ hormone associated with increased energy. By reducing your intake, you’ll naturally reduce this level of adrenaline and ease the associated symptoms of nerves, anxiety and stress.
Try caffeine-free alternatives
The energised feeling we get from caffeine can be easily replicated from alternatives such as herbal teas. Not only can these teas help you feel energised, they don’t pose the same health risks as caffeine, such as blurred vision
or eye spasms.
Stay hydrated
Caffeine narrows the blood vessels around your brain, so when you stop taking it, these vessels expand again and can lead to headaches. Drinking plenty of water will help to combat this.
Increase healthy habits
Caffeine’s often associated with bad habits such as sleepless nights — 33 per cent of Brits admit a cup of coffee keeps them awake. This level of insomnia can lead to dry and sore eyes. Combat this with eye drops and reduced caffeine before bed.
Push through the ‘withdrawals’
While there’s no avoiding some side effects as you cut your caffeine intake, such as tiredness and headaches, trust that these symptoms will ease if you push through the sensations.