I've reached the goal of being totally off coffee and caffeine. I'm a little tired this afternoon, but probably less than I used to be after having a caffeine crash. Plus I had to set my alarm to get up early this morning.
I don't plan on doing as many posts regarding caffeine unless something unusual happens. I will report in on day 30, which is when Cherniske says your stress hormones have recovered, and I'll make a final post on day 60. Cherniske recommends his clients to go at least 60 days before giving up.
At this point, I'm not inclined to start drinking coffee again. I think the temptation will arise when/if I get dissatisfied with something in my life and start to feel the need to pull out my Rambo chops one more time. Really, that's the allure of caffeine, free energy. It shouldn't take an Austrian economist to tell you there's no such thing as a free lunch.
This morning was a little tough. I was groggy and didn't get that kick in the pants that even a half mug of coffee provides. Once I was up and running, I've had relatively stable energy. I've been thinking about what seems different from two weeks ago. I'm less stressed in general, and I don't find myself getting distracted easily. It still happens, but decreasingly I find myself walking through the housing forgetting why I came into the kitchen.
In terms of music, I'm getting back into a practice routine again. The hands are getting in shape, and I think the creative mental spark is returning in full. It's hard to say when you're just practicing. Tonight I'll get a chance to play a gig with my buddies Martin Whitaker and David Peeples, so hopefully I can take note of my musical accuity.
The biggest response I get from friends and readers when they hear I've quit caffeine is "why?!?!" I've previously explained some of my reasons at length, but now I simply answer, "for health, freedom, and adventure." The adventure part is a little corny, but I totally believe in the health and freedom aspects.
Something I've never pointed out is the financial cost of coffee. Many people talk about the latte factor, but what about just your JFG factor. As a diehard cheapskate, I appreciate one more thing I don't have to pay for ever again...that is unless I change my mind in 60 days.
The last thing I'd like to point out is the positive effects of taking action. Just by setting and reaching this goal, I feel more apt to make constructive life changes.
