minimizing needs : quitting coffee

After scarfing down my lunch today because I was shaky, nauseus, and incredibly irritable, I realized that something has got to change.

For years now coffee has been my friend. A burst of motivation during all-nighters in grad school, a warm comfort during cold mornings, a treat to meet over with old friends.

Unfortunately the older I get, I realize that having a cup of coffee sends my blood sugar plummeting. I'm also not sleeping as well as I used to, and I suspect that coffee is also responsible for recent stomach troubles (I'll spare you the details). I also want to experience the simplicity and freedom that stems from not needing anything to get me started in the morning. And while I make most of my coffee at home or in the office, eliminating the occasional coffeehouse drink will be good for my budget.

I know I mention zen habits a lot, but I found some good tips there on getting by without caffiene. Some people prefer to wean themselves off of coffee, but I'm going cold turkey. I'll be miserable for a couple of days but it's a slippery slope and I can see myself justifying "just one more cup" if I attempt to cut back. Please wish me luck and for my head not to explode this weekend.

What about you? Is there you're considering cutting out of your life? Or have you recently gone through this and have encouragement from the other side?