Just One Cup of Coffee Please
By: Mireya Pava M.S. , LPC, NCC
There is no denying that coffee has been there for us in various moments of dire need in our lives. Whether it is of cultural importance, a part of daily rituals, waking up early for a class, a late night at the office, or even just getting through the day the matter of fact is that coffee helps. The caffeine in coffee not only assists with alertness and physical energy, but it can also increase the rate of your breathing and heart rate. For those who are reading this and are thinking “Why is this a problem?” well for those who struggle with anxiety it can be.
“A Cup of Coffee a Day keeps the Doctor Away.”
I am sure you have heard this phrase before. There have been various research and articles that recommend moderate amounts of coffee to aid our health.
Consuming coffee can be enjoyable as it becomes the daily comfort in which people thrive and feel happy (due to release of neurotransmitters).
It is just one cup, though…
Have you ever had a cup of coffee and then suddenly had an immense amount of unexplained anxiety? Caffeine given to someone with jitters and nervousness can make someone have an impending feeling that something terrible will happen. Thus, if you are feeling anxious coffee will exacerbate the anxiety especially to those who have anxiety disorders. It is important to mention that caffeine is not the root or causality of anxiety.
I stay awake… isn’t that the point of it all?
Caffeine can also impact the sleep quality that a person gets due to its blocking of adenosine receptors in the brain, and it counteracts sleepiness. If this resonates with you or if you know someone who has experienced their sleep routine impacted due to caffeine then rest assured, this blog is for you.
What Can I Do?
Therapy:
Therapy can assist you with identifying triggers and work towards reducing your anxiety.
Learn coping skills for anxiety: journaling, grounding exercises, challenging self-talk, progressive muscle relaxation, and more.
Mindfulness:
Find a mindfulness exercise that works best for you. It can be yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, walking outside, coloring, playing an instrument, sitting outside in nature, etc.
Supplements:
B12 and Ginseng are known to help with providing energy support. Check-in with your primary doctor first to make sure these are right for you.
Good Sleep:
Create and stick to a sleep regime that works best for you. Some people find that with good sleep, they may not need additional caffeine.
Drink Water:
If you are experiencing nervousness after coffee, try to drink water. Water helps to dilute caffeine in the body and can help with the coffee jitters. It is also important to ensure you are hydrated before intaking caffeine.
Types of Food:
Certain types of foods can make you feel lethargic or sluggish. Check-in with your doctor or a nutritionist to find the right types of food that your body needs.
Exercise:
Find what type or types of exercise you like. It does not need to be an intense workout. It can be walking, biking, hiking, yoga, running, pilates, and so much more. Having consistent exercise can create more energy levels within the body.
Switch to Decaf:
Try alternative forms of coffee like decaf or switching to one cup a day for starters. Some people even find that matcha/green tea, or black tea works better for them. Everyone is different, and it’s important to find what works best for you.