How to Stop Drinking Caffeine

For many people, the day doesn't begin without a good cup of coffee. Others rely on a caffeinated soda at lunch to get them through the rest of the day or an energy drink for a little extra kick. Once caffeine is relied on so heavily on a daily basis, cutting it out of one's diet can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you stop drinking caffeine.

Instructions

• 1

  Taper off gradually. Eliminating all caffeine from your diet all at once could cause you to experience negative physical effects, such as painful headaches and irritability. To avoid this, cut down on your caffeine intake gradually instead of going cold-turkey. If you drink an average of four caffeinated drinks a day, decrease your intake to three drinks daily for the next week, two the next, and so on until you are caffeine-free.

• 2

  Utilize alternate energy sources. There are other less addictive energy sources that can give you the stamina to get through your day without the potential irritability or energy crashes. Try switching out your caffeinated sodas for drinks containing ginseng or add a B-vitamin to your daily multivitamin. Vitamins and supplements naturally help your body metabolize food and generate and utilize energy.

• 3

  Distract yourself. If you are a heavy caffeine drinker, you will probably notice the effects that the lack of caffeine has on your body and stamina. Make sure you always have a non-caffeinated beverage like water, juice or even decaf coffee available. Chewing gum can also help you get through caffeine withdrawals.

• 4

  Take ibuprofen. One of the most common side effects to caffeine withdrawal is experiencing painful and persistent headaches. Stay one step ahead of these withdrawal symptoms by taking ibuprofen when not drinking caffeine to help keep you going.

• 5

  Exercise. Physical activity and exercise causes the body to produce endorphins and adrenaline which are natural sources of energy. Getting involved in regular physical activity throughout the day will help keep you fit and eliminate your need for caffeine. Take a brisk walk when you wake up to replace your morning cup of coffee and go for a run or take a quick trip to the gym for a workout on your lunch break to get you through the afternoon instead of reaching for that energy drink to pep you up.