In our Holistic Health tip series we answer questions that have been asked instore to help with wellness. This week's question is all about coffee. Help, I’m trying to reduce caffeine but what else hits the spot?
Coffee offers us a lot of fire energy and helps us move through the day. It can be hard to let go of our coffee habits but when we reduce our intake we may:
- Reduce adrenal load
- Sleep better
- Find ways to develop our natural energy levels and listen and respond to our body cues
- Take stock of our needs and boundaries, rather than relying on stimulation. This helps us grow and evolve as human beings by learning to say no, leaning into difficult conversations and valuing our needs
Gauging your natural energy levels and developing practices to support you in life, rather than reaching for a fix can include more of a holistic approach to wellbeing.
We may find the below all necessary and beneficial:
- Resting
- Yoga
- Walking
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Ritual
- Movement
- Sound healing
- Crying
Our practice may become more of feeling and being with what is arising in us rather than taking a caffeine hit and getting on with it.
There are so many alternative beverages that can help stimulate and inspire including:
- Cacao
- Matcha
- Chai
- Mushrooms
- and a little dark chocolate can go a long way at any time of day
Cacao is lovely made with nut mylk and even better with a little unrefined sweetener. It’s worth making a fresh nut mylk blend each week and freezing some and keeping some in the fridge to have with coffee, cereal or smoothies.
Matcha is best made in a bullet with macadamia butter and coconut sugar for a sweet and creamy drink.
You can have caffeinated tea that still provides a lift but is softer on the nervous system. You may like to try: kukicha, white tea or sencha green tea with a little ginger.
You can also mix sparkling water, fresh lemon or lime and mint with a few drops of Brain Boost for a refreshing pick up instead.
When you do consume coffee:
- Savour it.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water over the day.
- Take an adrenal supplement if you rely regularly on coffee. I recommend Dr Wilsons Adrenal Support.
- Add a pinch of Mother Made mushrooms powder to improve your nutrient intake.
- Get a herbal tincture made by a herbalist that supports your blood sugar levels/adrenals and anything else that needs tuning.
- Don’t have any caffeine after midday to help you sleep better at night.
- Swap out one coffee for another kind of beverage if you like drinking more than two per day.
Pleasure and ritual is a huge part of life so no matter what you consume, take the time to take it in and see how you feel afterwards. Next time you may just make a different choice and try something new instead of reaching for the caffeine.