Caffeine Awareness Month
March is Caffeine Awareness month. Many of us need a shot of caffeine, perhaps a coffee of some sort, first thing in the morning. But caffeine is a powerful, addictive stimulant (alertness inducing chemical) that you need to be aware of and monitor your use of. So this month is a good time to take an honest look at how much you consume and perhaps reduce it. High caffeine intake can cause anxiety, insomnia and raised blood pressure.
Where is it
You might be surprised about what has caffeine in it. Coffee, of course. But also tea and many soft drinks such as colas and energy drinks. Even decaffeinated coffee and tea is not entirely free of it. And it’s not just drinks, some food have high levels of it. These include chocolate and cocoa powder. Also, some medicines such as cold and flu treatments have it in them.
How do I reduce it
So if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume, what can you do? If you need a pick me up, perhaps try exercise. This will get the blood flowing and boost alertness. Try drinking water instead of other drinks. This will keep you hydrated, boost energy and is good for the skin.
Completely eliminating it can be tough and is not normally recommended. Some symptoms of withdrawal from it include headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, nausea and muscle pain. A gentle, gradual, reduction is always recommended.
Its Uses
Having just spent some time warning you about caffeine, it does have some benefits. It is thought to have certain medical uses in fighting dermatitis and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). So completely eliminating it not necessary. As with many things, it’s about striking the right balance.
It’s worth considering the approach that Anna Kendrick (US Actress) takes. She said, “I don’t usually drink caffeine so that when I need it, it actually does something”.
Finally
If you have a caffeine addiction or are struggling with other problematic routines then Hypnotherapy can help. Specifically it can help boost will power, break habits and explore the root cause of it. If you think hypnotherapy can help then contact me for more information.
[…] Caffeine is a stimulant that can heighten anxiety – especially if consumed in large amounts. It can also increase heart rate and make it harder to sleep. All of which will worsen anxiety. […]