Back in 2016 through to 2020, I abstained from drinking coffee and caffeine completely. It was a decision I made for health reasons, mainly related to the anxiety I was experiencing at the time.
I quit coffee in August 2016 and then stopped drinking alcohol in September. Even though I had just lost my grandma – who was like a second mum to me – I was determined not to turn to stimulants or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Instead, I committed to improving my health.
The gym became a regular habit again, and I was doing well in almost every area of life. Physically, mentally, and emotionally I felt strong and balanced.
Then 2020 arrived.
Like everyone else, I experienced the disruption of the COVID lockdowns. By the time the third lockdown was announced, I felt mentally exhausted. The routines that kept me grounded, especially going to the gym, were suddenly taken away. Exercise has always been an important outlet for me, and not being able to train properly was incredibly difficult.
Eventually I caved and started drinking coffee and alcohol again. At the time it felt like, what’s the point? Everything felt uncertain and restricted.
It’s taken me from 2021 until now to really get my life back on track. On the 21st of December 2024, I quit alcohol again. That alone has been a huge win. I genuinely feel incredible not poisoning my body with alcohol anymore. However, something still felt slightly off. So I started reflecting on my habits and thinking back to when my health was at its best. Then it clicked. Back then… I had also quit coffee.
At first it sounded almost too simple. Coffee is so normalised that people rarely question it. But the reality is that coffee is a stimulant, and stimulants can trigger anxiety, especially if you’re sensitive to them. Interestingly, my blood tests suggest I don’t have a biological sensitivity to caffeine. But sometimes your body and mind tell you a different story than the data does.
So I decided I had nothing to lose. On Monday the 9th of March, I quit coffee again — hopefully for the last time. Now, seven days later, I’m already noticing the benefits.
What I’ve Noticed After 7 Days Without Coffee
Even after just one week, some positive changes are already appearing:
- I’m sleeping more deeply and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed.
- My anxiety levels feel noticeably lower.
- I’m calmer and more composed during work meetings.
- My body feels more relaxed throughout the day.
- My mind feels quieter and less “wired”.
- It feels empowering knowing I’m fully in control of what I put into my body.
It’s still early days, but from everything I’ve researched, most of the physical caffeine withdrawal symptoms usually pass within the first week. From here, it’s mainly about the brain’s receptors recalibrating.
Over time, cortisol levels should also stabilise – another potential benefit of removing caffeine.
Top 10 Reasons Some People Benefit From Quitting Coffee
Coffee affects everyone differently. While some people tolerate it well, others can experience noticeable improvements after quitting. Here are some of the biggest potential benefits:
1. Reduced Anxiety
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and increases adrenaline. For people prone to anxiety, this can amplify stress responses.
2. Better Sleep Quality
Even if you fall asleep easily, caffeine can reduce deep sleep and REM cycles.
3. More Stable Energy Levels
Without caffeine spikes and crashes, energy often becomes more steady throughout the day.
4. Lower Cortisol Levels
Caffeine can elevate cortisol (the stress hormone), particularly when consumed daily.
5. Improved Focus (Long-Term)
Once the brain adjusts, many people report clearer thinking without the jittery stimulation.
6. Better Digestive Health
Coffee can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production in some people.
7. Improved Hydration
While coffee isn’t severely dehydrating, removing it often encourages better water intake.
8. Balanced Mood
Without caffeine highs and crashes, emotional stability can improve.
9. Reduced Dependency
It feels surprisingly empowering not relying on something just to feel “normal”.
10. A Calmer Nervous System
For people sensitive to stimulants, removing caffeine can create a noticeable sense of calm.
It’s only been seven days, so I’m still at the beginning of this journey. But I already feel encouraged by the changes I’m noticing. For me, this isn’t about demonising coffee. Many people enjoy it without issue. But for those of us who are sensitive to stimulants, it might be worth experimenting with life without it. Sometimes the smallest habits can have the biggest impact on how we feel. And right now, removing coffee feels like the right move for me.
