- Keep track of how much caffeine you consume each day. A list of foods and beverages that contain caffeine appears at the end of this article. Also check the contents of any medication you take, including over-the-counter products.
- Gradually reduce your intake of coffee. If you start to get withdrawal symptoms, stay at that level until they disappear.
- Exercise in place of coffee. It gets your blood running, and increases energy. it also gets your mind off your usual cup of coffee.
- Drink herbal teas, coffee substitutes and decaffeinated beverages.
- If you are a smoker, try to cut back. Coffee and smoking are often linked together in the mind.
- Whenever you find yourself craving a cup of coffee, do something else. Take up a distracting hobby.
- Suck on a mint. This often relieves the craving for coffee.
Don't forget that coffee is not the only culprit. Don't let your craving for caffeine lead you to over indulge in some other caffeine laden beverage or food. These products all contain caffeine in varying amounts:
- Coffee
- Cola type soft drinks
- Cocoa
- Chocolate
- Tea
- Many medications, like No Doz and Excedrin.
Kick the caffeine habit and benefit with a better sleep.
