Why I Broke Up with Coffee (But We’re Still on Good Terms) ☕️

[5-7 min read]
Once upon a time, coffee and I were inseparable. Back in my university days, it was my holy grail for creativity, my fuel for endless projects, and my magic potion for making it through all-nighters. If I had a big deadline? Coffee. Feeling uninspired? Coffee. Just existing as a university student? Coffee, coffee, and more coffee. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a lifestyle.

But like any passionate relationship, things started to get a little... toxic. I wasn’t just drinking coffee—I needed coffee. Mornings without it felt impossible. I was grumpy, foggy, and basically useless until that first sip hit my system. If I skipped a cup? Headaches. Fatigue. A general sense of existential doom. I had become a full-blown coffee addict.

Then came 2020. The year we all remember for, well, a lot of reasons. With lockdowns giving me more time to reflect (and less reason to rush to my nearest coffee spot), I started questioning my caffeine dependency. Did I actually enjoy coffee, or was I just drinking it because my body demanded it?

So, I did what any slightly over-researching person would do—I went down a rabbit hole of caffeine studies, withdrawal symptoms, and alternative ways to wake up in the morning. I learned that caffeine stays in your system longer than you think, can mess with your sleep, and might be the reason I was constantly on an energy rollercoaster.

Quitting cold turkey sounded terrifying, so I took it slow. I gradually reduced my intake, replacing every other cup with tea or decaf. It wasn’t easy, but after a year of tiny changes, I did it—I was officially free from my coffee addiction.

Fast forward to 2025, and here’s where I stand:

•At home, I only drink decaf.
•If I meet friends at a café, I’ll happily order a coffee—but it’s a treat, not a necessity.
•My headaches? Almost nonexistent.
•Mood swings? Much better (no more caffeine crashes!).
•Sleep? Deeper and more restful.
•Energy? More stable throughout the day.

And the best part? I still love the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It brings back fond memories, but I no longer crave it as something I need to function.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you should break up with coffee—or at least redefine your relationship with it—just know it’s totally possible. And trust me, you might just love the new, less jittery, more balanced version of yourself! I also want to hear your story, let me know in the comments down below and tell me your coffee story ✨