The article about quitting coffee you don't want to read

Untethered Mind, Wednesday Edition, 3-min read.

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I'm writing this in my fourth week off coffee.

It’s tough.

I've lost that fun, killer instinct you get when your head's melting to profound electronic beats, flying on the dopamine thrill of the coffee bean.

I'm not totally off caffeine because I am tapering. I've done this before but always ended up crawling back for more.

Those that say it takes a few days to wean yourself off caffeine and feel better are full of shit.

I was watching a video yesterday about a young chap who quit caffeine and finally started to feel himself again after six months.

Yes, six months.

Now, that seems more realistic, based on my previous failed attempts.

I remember this time last year, I'd been off all caffeine (except the odd chunk of black chocolate) for three months and still couldn't find that natural energy I was looking for.

I still felt 'meh.'

And it worried me.

It seemed like I'd never find it and would need coffee forever, so I got back on the coffee train for another year.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I often like to write articles like I'm writing to my younger self.

And I'd say this:

Alex, the coffee you're about to drink may seem tasty and give you a pleasant mood boost...

But there are other (many) things it's not good for, and the bad greatly outweighs the good.

You're a sensitive chap. And coffee releases stress hormones because your body is trying to handle ingesting a plant poison.

So, for the sake of your anxiety, don't drink it.

It will also help you sleep so much better. None of that waking up with a jolt two hours after falling asleep silliness...

Plus, you increase your life span.

"Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, has been associated with a shortened lifespan due to its potential to disrupt sleep patterns, increase stress hormones, and lead to chronic health conditions.

Prolonged and excessive caffeine consumption can disrupt circadian rhythms, which are crucial for overall health and longevity.

Additionally, the constant stimulation of the adrenal glands by caffeine may contribute to the overproduction of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can lead to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular problems and immune system dysfunction."

This is from a book called 'Caffeine Blues' by biochemist Stephen Cherniske.

It's an eye-opener.

This article is expected to annoy many of you.

In fact, you're likely drinking your Joe as you read this.

But I like to write about what I genuinely believe will help. It's not all about sharing what I know you guys want to hear.

The truth is, if you struggle with stress and anxiety, and lack of sleep, coffee, and ideally all caffeine, should be on your hit list.

Yes, I don't feel my usual self right now, but I expect it. Because caffeine is a powerful drug that rewires you.

I'd been drinking it for many years, so I now expect it to take months to adjust to the lack of stimulation.

I may even need to cancel some of my planned projects because of this; it's such a big deal.

I'm writing this not to push you to do anything.

I am particularly sensitive to this stuff, so this was especially relevant to me.

But this is to show you there may be a way out of your stresses sitting right under your nose.

And as a reader of Untethered Mind, we’re about total psychological freedom. This means not relying on anything external to ourselves to feel good and whole.

Much of what I write about here focuses on mindset, but I'd be doing you a disservice by ignoring the role of the stimulants we ingest in spiking anxiety and stress.

When you quit, there will absolutely be a phase of low motivation.

I'm going through it right now, and sometimes I question my sanity when my income (and upcoming membership launch) relies on my mood being high.

But it ain't, and that makes everything challenging.

I get it. You likely have many reasons why your coffee is good for you. There are conflicting studies.

All I need to know is that my anxiety decreases when I'm off it. And when I'm off it completely, I get withdrawals.

I'm tired and irritable and lose my motivation.

What substance is good that gives you withdrawals?

Despite my withdrawals, the benefits are already coming through, so I need to acknowledge those:

• My sleep is far better.

• I sweat less (I sweat more than most when out walking - it's annoying as f***).

• My anxiety is way down (this used to bother me a lot on live calls and meeting new people).

• Oddly enough, my productivity is up - when I push through the initial lackadaisical feeling. I start thinking I don’t have the energy, but end up writing more.

• My energy is more even through the day, and I have more overall energy, even if I don't feel as crazy motivated as before.

I'm ok losing a few months of my life if it means I live longer and enjoy connecting with my true, natural energy.

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Reach out to me directly if you want to hear more - maybe I can help hold you accountable on this.

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If you want to be part of the first founding group of Mastery Den dragons, join the waiting list, which will get you a special launch discount.

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