I want to share something that is a big deal for me. They say it take at least 21 days to instil a new habit. I am a self-confessed “tea pot”! A few weeks ago I went “cold turkey” on caffeinated tea for a day. Perhaps in excess of 10 cups a tea per day was overdoing it. I was always tired, no matter how much sleep I got. The afternoons were worse, I was dog-tired, grumpy and unable to function, even when I’m not working! Surely the caffeine spikes were taking me on a roller coaster ride? I did one full day without caffeine (which was hard), swapping to berry fruit teas with a smidgen of honey. One the second day, I had one cup of tea.
Now, 3 weeks later, I’ve settled into a habit where I treat myself to 2 cups of caffeine a day (either good coffee or tea), normally mid morning and afternoon. I really look forward to those in a way I never did before. I can actually taste the flavour of the tea or the strength of the coffee. I don’t take sugar in my tea, so the fruit teas with honey became too sweet. I’ve ditched those in favour of a cup of hot water with a dash of ginger cordial without honey. There’s a fabulous brand of cordial here called Belvoir that I love.
Has it been hard? Yes and no. I miss the taste of tea – hot water, even with flavourings, takes some getting used to. Granted, its quicker to make but less exciting. But, because I have not completely deprived myself of tea, it has been easier to stick with the change. I think if I’d cut it out completely, I would not have made the change as I have. This is the best way for me to make changes, by slowly cutting back rather than complete prohibition!
What is your experience with breaking old habits and making new ones? How do you go about it?
Has it made a difference? Absolutely! That dogged tiredness is slowly leaving me and I feel cleaner inside! And the cherry on top is that it’s a small part of my bigger intention to get healthier this year.
Bloomin’ marvellous, it is!
This post is part of my Transitions series.
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