The phrase “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee” is a common refrain among many, including self-proclaimed Disney adults and former Tumblr users. And while it might seem overused, it rings true for some of us—myself included.
I’ve been starting my day with a cup (or two, or three) of coffee since I was 15. Even during the sweltering heat of mid-July, I find comfort in a hot coffee with a splash of French vanilla creamer.
I hadn’t really considered the amount of caffeine I was consuming until recently. Spending a few days at my girlfriend’s place, where her drink of choice is a Red 40 flavored energy drink, I found myself without access to coffee and unwilling to dip into my dwindling funds. This led to an unintended three-day caffeine detox.
Surprisingly, after six years of regular caffeine intake, the break left me feeling refreshed. I had always resisted going more than 48 hours without coffee, yet I was struck by the calmness I experienced without it.
To be clear, I still drink coffee regularly. However, this break taught me the importance of moderation. There’s no need for me to be perpetually on edge—except perhaps when I’m racing to meet writing deadlines.
We often forget that caffeine is indeed a drug. Unlike nicotine or heroin, we tend to dismiss its effects because they seem milder. Jack James, a professor at Reykjavik University who studies caffeine consumption in Iceland, notes that the lack of consistent evidence on long-term harm and the social acceptance of caffeine contribute to this dismissal.
But why worry if caffeine hasn’t shown significant long-term negative health effects? Caffeine acts as a psychostimulant, affecting our cognitive functions, including memory, and can increase anxiety. Most college students can attest to the jitters and anxiety induced by excessive caffeine consumption during finals week.
Conversely, caffeine withdrawal can lead to negative physical and cognitive effects. Headaches, lethargy, and sleepiness are common symptoms. Shayna Dumont, a Western student and Yerba Mate enthusiast, feels extra tired without her caffeinated tea and sometimes experiences jitters and anxiety post-consumption.
“I feel like I need caffeine to start my day,” Dumont admitted, echoing a sentiment many of us share.
As a college student juggling part-time work, treating myself to a cup of coffee feels empowering. We all deserve little indulgences, but it’s easy to overdo it with the plethora of options available. Caffeine providers exploit this, offering products like Panera’s charged lemonade, which packs up to 390 milligrams of caffeine in a large cup.
Tragically, two individuals died of cardiac arrest after consuming these beverages. Despite this, Panera initially continued selling the product, merely moving it to the back and verbally warning customers about its high caffeine content. Only after significant backlash were charged lemonades permanently removed from shelves.
This incident underscores the importance of being aware of what we consume. While tasty drinks can provide temporary pleasure, our bodies need nourishment for a lifetime.
A little caffeine boost now and then is fine, but moderation is crucial. Too much of a good thing can be detrimental, and balancing our indulgences is essential for long-term well-being.