I Gave Up Caffeine for a Week—Here's What It Did for My Mental Health

I’ve been caffeine’s biggest fan for the last year. I love having a strong coffee in the morning and enjoying other beverages throughout the day, especially organic energy drinks. However, my New Year's resolution this year was to quit caffeine for a week, and it changed my life in more ways than I can count.

My mental health is so much better, which really surprised me. I thought caffeine helped me wake up in the morning and be my best self, but I found that everything’s better in moderation.

1. I Felt Less Anxious

I’m naturally an anxious person. I get nervous driving, calling to order a pizza, and walking into a crowded hallway. Turns out, skipping my caffeine-filled iced coffees actually made those situations easier to handle.

People who drink less caffeine have a lower anxiety baseline because their nervous systems encounter less of the natural stimulant. I felt my heart race less, less jittery, and my general anxiety became a distant hum in the background during my week of no caffeine. I seriously rethought how much I actually needed to drink because I felt so centered.

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2. My Energy Improved

I wake up at around 6:30 every morning, so downing a mug of coffee seemed like a helpful thing to do. While it definitely woke me up, I started feeling consistent energy after I turned off my coffee machine for the week.

I had to swap my caffeine intake with something. I ended up drinking more water, which had so many positive effects. Staying hydrated boosted my energy levels because my cells had enough hydration to maintain my bodily functions.

After all, the human body consists of around 55% to 65% water, and every drop counts. Water and I have a totally new relationship now. I’ve started making water more enjoyable by adding flavor packets or lemon wedges, if I’m feeling fancy.

3. I Started Sleeping Better

Caffeine makes you feel more awake. It’s the best part about caffeinated beverages, but I never realized how long it influences your brain. I started reading about caffeine after giving it up. It has a half-life of two to 12 hours, so it can stay in your system all day.

I used to drink one coffee in the morning, an energy drink before lunch, and a Diet Coke in the afternoon. They all have varying amounts of caffeine, which was lingering in my bloodstream well past my bedtime. No wonder I couldn’t fall asleep quickly. My week without caffeine was the most rested I’ve felt in a long time.

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4. My Mood Softened

Drinking caffeine can make you feel more positive, but I was drinking way too much. I never thought about how stimulating my nervous system constantly would affect my anxiety, which changed my moods. During my break week, my emotional state transformed from occasionally irritable to easygoing. I didn’t feel as stressed, and I wasn’t snapping at my family members randomly.

Finding the best caffeine intake for my body is an ongoing learning experience. I definitely missed my coffee and energy drinks, so I started buying them again after my break ended. I don’t drink nearly as much anymore, though. I usually choose one or the other every morning, then stop sipping on them before my lunch break.

I also know that if I get grumpy, it’s likely because I’ve had too much caffeine. I switch to decaf drinks in those moments. There are so many flavored waters, teas, and smoothies to try.

A great water bottle can help make your new favorite beverages last. I decorated mine with stickers to personalize it, and I love carrying it with me.

5. I Could Focus Better

Sitting through anything longer than an hour often felt like torture. Whether it was a lecture or even a movie. My leg would shake, and I’d feel restless and uncomfortable. I had always chalked it up to my personality of being an on-the-go type of person, but cutting the caffeine helped me focus so much more by allowing me to relax and settle down.

Overstimulating my nervous system with caffeine made my thoughts race. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says adults can have up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, but I think my system tolerates much less than that.

It’s important to find the best caffeine intake for your body. Quitting it for a week made it easier for me to understand what it feels like when I’ve had too much.

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6. My Body Felt Calmer

Feeling restless is the worst. Caffeine jitters are extra terrible when you’re in a long class and can’t get up from your desk. I didn’t feel that way when I gave up caffeine for a week, which helped my mental health in a few ways.

Becoming physically calmer was easier because caffeinated drinks increase heart rate by influencing the nervous system. Skipping them made me feel grounded in my body. I immediately became more compassionate toward myself, too.

Instead of feeling like something was wrong with my jittery muscles, I know that it’s my body’s way of telling me to ease up on the caffeine. I show myself grace and struggle less with self-criticism now.

Find the Best Balance for Yourself

I’m so glad I went without caffeine for a week, but I also still love my favorite coffees and energy drinks. I learned that you don’t have to choose one reality or the other. Resetting my nervous system and reintroducing caffeine slowly showed me how to maintain my mental health and moderate my intake. You can do the same if you want a better relationship with caffeine, too!