How I Quit Coffee | Taylor Swift’s Wellness Playbook | 7 Simple Fitness Tips
How I Quit Coffee After 20 Years
This summer, I decided to take on a personal experiment: What would happen if I stopped drinking coffee? After nearly two decades as a daily coffee drinker, I was curious to see how it might affect me. Little did I know, this simple decision would lead to some surprising changes. Along the way, I also discovered some helpful tips for making the transition easier.
The First 48 Hours:
The initial 48 hours were brutal. I experienced intense headaches, felt sluggish, and found it challenging to focus. In response, I switched to matcha, a green tea with lower caffeine levels. I found a blend I liked that included lion’s mane and other adaptogens I often add to my smoothies. This substitution helped, but I still wondered if this experiment would be worth the effort.
Tips for a Successful Coffee Detox:
1. Gradually Reduce Caffeine Intake:
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, consider tapering down your consumption before quitting completely. Reduce your daily intake by half a cup every few days to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
2. Find a Healthy Substitute:
Switching to matcha (I like MUDWTR’s matcha, discount code here) worked for me because it has less caffeine than coffee but still provides a mild boost in energy. Other options include herbal teas, chicory coffee, or decaf coffee if you still crave the ritual.
3. Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help reduce withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
4. Get Enough Sleep:
During the initial days of quitting, your body might feel more tired than usual. Make sure to get adequate sleep and allow your body to adjust to the change.
5. Incorporate Adaptogens:
Adaptogens like ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and rhodiola can help balance stress and support your body through the transition. They can be added to smoothies or taken as supplements.
6. Be Patient and Listen to Your Body:
Everyone’s experience with quitting coffee is different. Listen to your body and don’t be discouraged if you feel discomfort at first. The benefits, as I discovered, are worth it.
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Unexpected Benefits:
A few days after cutting out coffee, I started noticing some remarkable changes:
• Better Sleep: I began sleeping more soundly, without tossing and turning. It was like my body could finally relax.
• Improved Focus: I could sit down at my laptop and concentrate on one task at a time without my mind jumping from thought to thought.
• Reduced Anxiety: This was perhaps the most surprising discovery. My anxiety dropped by 95%. My mind stopped racing and worrying about things that hadn’t happened. I wasn’t darting forward to the future, imagining potential scenarios that would likely never occur. I felt calmer and more present in the moment.
An Unexpected Side Effect:
One unexpected benefit was a reduction in irritability. I didn’t even realize how much irritability and short-temperedness I had until it disappeared. It was as if a fog had lifted, and I could see more clearly.
A New Morning Ritual:
For years, I’ve been passionate about coffee. I’ve worked as a barista and even have an Italian espresso machine at home. I’m picky about roasts, types of milk, and the exact temperature for frothing. But now, I’ve fallen in love with my new morning ritual: matcha. The process of weighing, whisking, and preparing it has become a mindful and enjoyable start to my day.
Final Thoughts:
This experiment taught me that sometimes, it’s worth questioning long-held habits. If you’ve been doing something for nearly 20 years, why not see how you feel if you stop for just one week? You might be surprised at the results.
Taylor Swift’s Wellness Playbook: Secrets Behind the Stamina
Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” is a dazzling display of energy, resilience, and sheer stamina. It got me wondering—how does she sustain those electrifying three-hour performances night after night without missing a beat? Here’s a glimpse into the fitness, diet, and mental wellness routine that keeps Taylor at the top of her game.
Fitness: Training Like a Pro
Taylor didn’t always have the rigorous training she does now. In her early touring days, she admits to “touring like a frat guy.” But for “The Eras Tour,” she leveled up, training with the intensity of a pro athlete under the guidance of her trainer, Kirk Myers. Her prep included treadmill runs while singing her setlist to build stamina—talk about multitasking! As the tour began, her workouts shifted to focus on stability and mobility, maintaining her performance without overdoing it. Her commitment to fitness is a reminder that consistency and balance are key, even for the most demanding goals.
Rest: The Art of Recovery
Rest is non-negotiable for Taylor. In between shows, she dedicates 24 hours to doing absolutely nothing: “I do not leave my bed except to get food and take it back to my bed and eat it there.” Whether it’s a full day in bed or a short walk outside, finding your own version of rest is essential. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.
Diet: Balanced, Not Extreme
While there’s little recent intel on her diet, Taylor’s approach remains simple and balanced. She’s not one to deprive herself but did cut out alcohol to prioritize energy and mental clarity for the tour. “I try to keep it lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or crazy,” she’s said. The takeaway? Enjoy what you love without turning food into a punishment.
Mental Health: Creativity as Therapy
Taylor’s mental health journey is deeply tied to her creativity. From a young age, she turned to writing as a way to process her emotions. “My response to anything that happens, good or bad, is to keep making things,” she says. Creating art, whether it’s songwriting, journaling, or any other form of expression, helps her stay grounded. The key is to find your own therapeutic outlet—whether it’s a daily meditation, a walk in nature, or putting pen to paper.
Self-Care: Routine and Rituals
Despite her hectic lifestyle, Taylor brings a sense of calm with simple rituals: lighting candles in every hotel room and unpacking her suitcase upon arrival. These grounding habits show that even the smallest routines can have a huge impact on well-being.
Take a cue from Taylor: Prioritize your fitness, rest when you need to, eat what makes you feel good, and find joy in your routines. Because, as she would say, life is short. Have adventures and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Elevate Your Well-being
Ready to elevate your wellness journey? I’m offering personalized one-on-one consulting to help you achieve your health goals. Improve your diet, boost energy, and find daily balance with my guidance.
Email hello@jamieliveswell.com for more information and to schedule your consultation. Let’s create a healthier, happier you!
Seven Fitness Ideas For You This Week
Dance to three songs every morning to boost your mood and movement.
Incorporate balance exercises while brushing your teeth.
Use laundry detergent jugs as makeshift kettlebells.
Schedule walking meetings to blend productivity with movement.
Try laughter yoga for core strengthening and stress reduction.
Use a foam roller while watching TV.
Practice deep breathing techniques to enhance muscle recovery and relaxation.
What’s On My Radar:
I’ve discovered that starting my day with this jazz mix makes all the difference. It sets a positive tone that’s hard to shake. I put it on, make a drink, take a shower, and get ready for the day ahead. When these tunes are playing in the background, my mornings always feel a little brighter and more relaxed. Follow/subscribe to the playlist below and give it a try—let me know how it transforms your morning!
Further Reading:
