Stop the Caffeine
Apr 30, 2020
We’ve touched on the negative effects caffeine can have on your anxiety a bit already. There is a link between the consumption of caffeine and the worsening of anxiety.
Because everyone’s metabolism and physical makeup is different, the issue could be quite noticeable in you or it may not have much of an effect at all.
However, because caffeine is a stimulant, it makes sense that it could aggravate your already strong feelings of restlessness and agitation.
Read on to learn more about the potential relationship between your morning java and the jitters you experience. Then you can decide whether to drink less or not.
The stimulant effects of caffeine can lead anyone to feel nervous, shaky or anxious. This is particularly true if you’re not used to consuming it.
Also, if you already have an anxiety disorder or are prone to the emotion, drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages and such could actually throw you into a panic attack. This substance stimulates your central nervous system, speeding up bodily functions like metabolism.
You may not have known that caffeine actually works to suppress a brain chemical known as adenosine that slows down your nerve cells, making you sleepy. That’s how caffeine works to perk you up.
Some people can be quite sensitive to caffeine. That ordinary small jump in heart rate some people experience due to having a bit of caffeine can send an anxiety suffer reeling.
If you notice a jittery feeling, headache, intense fear or other such negative sensation when you drink your coffee or eat a chocolate bar, try removing it from your diet to see what happens. Take note, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that seem even worse than before. Try to wait them out and really notice if your anxiety lessens over time. This could be a potential key to improving your life.
It’s probably a good plan to lessen your daily caffeine slowly, rather than going cold turkey. Take daily notes detailing how you feel as your remove it from your system. These notes can be motivating when you see evidence that things are improving. Keep moving forward until you’ve had no caffeine for at least a week. Then continue to avoid it as you monitor your anxiety levels. This experiment should provide you with a lot of insight into how sensitive your body is to the substance.
Soon you may find that giving up your favourite caffeinated beverages and treats is well worth feeling less anxious and on edge. Chances are, you’ll hardy even miss it once you begin to feel better. Lessening your anxiety is an outcome that’s definitely worth a bit of sacrifice.
Join the 30 Day Decrease Anxiety & Depression Challenge
For more information, tools, techniques and tips visit www.SelfPathfinder.com. Please share this link with anyone you think might find this information helpful.
What's the Difference Between
Anxiety & Panic Attacks?
Download our free printable workbook with writing prompts that will help you learn the difference between worrying & anxiety disorders, how to control your anxiety symptoms & how to speak to loved ones to get the help you need.
