August 9, 2011

Tips to Ease Your Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Mini office breaks are really exciting with mini cups of coffee. "Misty" steam coming out of the cup kept on your office desk may create some bit of temptations. Small sips and "tough" concentration are all that an employee needs to keep up his "motivation" in the midst of an ongoing assignment. As you can see, coffee has become so important to keep people active these days in the face of extreme stress and job pressure. And in fact, many people have recognized themselves as "caffeine addicts" as they feel frequent urges to consume caffeine at definite times of the day. And when it comes to addiction, it has to encounter interventions and ultimately, the drama will end with some withdrawal symptoms. Here, we may help to ease some of your caffeine withdrawal symptoms with a few tips discussed later.

The Duration

In a Johns Hopkins University study, scientists found that the initiation of the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal took place within 12 to 24 hours of stopping the caffeine intake. The major withdrawal symptoms hit within the first two days. The researchers observed that the symptoms gradually disappeared between two to nine days.

Tips to Ease Your Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms

 * Don't Stop Abruptly: If you are a heavy caffeine consumer, don't give it up all at once. This step will only worsen the withdrawal symptom.

* Look for Healthy Substitutes: Substitute the usual caffeine beverage with a cup of decaf beverage like green tea. This will help you in coping up with your body clock.

* Take Painkillers: If you get a headache as a symptom, don't ignore it because it will only tempt you more to get back to your caffeine habit! If the headache seems to be unbearable, then you may take half a tablet of a painkiller.

 * Seek Support from Family and Friends: It is common to be a little irritable or depressed in the withdrawal phase. Tell your friends and relatives that you will be a little grouchy at this time. Their support and cooperation will help you to get over the addiction.

 * Perform Yogic Breathing Practices: Svyasa University researchers attempted to examine the physiological effects of conventional yogic breathing techniques and they found that this breathing technique stimulates and even imitates the influences of caffeine in the system. It brings about the constriction of blood vessels in the cells and this can balance the inflamed blood vessels, thereby offering a natural solution for headaches caused due to caffeine withdrawal. Begin by gently pinching the left nostril so as to close it and then breathe only through the right nostril for several minutes. The study found that the right-nostril breathing produced an increase in the oxygen levels in the body.

* Try Out Homeopathic Remedies: If your addiction is severe, you can try homeopathic caffeine withdrawal remedies. These options come with little amounts of caffeine, which are adequate to relieve your headache, but not just high enough to support your addiction. Their function is the same as that of the commonly used painkillers, but they will get higher ratings for being natural cures. These remedies should be used as per instructions and only for short time periods.

 * Practice Yoga: Fatigue, muscle ache and slight headaches can be easily cured by practicing yoga, a natural remedy. But you need to avoid high-intensity yoga practices at this time, but you can definitely practice restorative yoga because it involves assuming smooth, passive postures. Relaxing meditation can comfort your body by rejuvenating you during fatigue and by relaxing you in times of stress. In a restorative yoga session, you can perform postures at your own comfort level. It can relieve tension, bring peace to your mind and may allow you to control your addictions.

 * Eat Fruits: Fruits, being sources of natural sugars, will help to boost your energy naturally. Consuming fruits will benefit you during the initial stages of the emergence of withdrawal symptoms. It will provide you with a concrete energy base.
    * Opt for Caffeine-Free Drinks: Substituting coke with a caffeine-free drink is a good idea. In fact, any sugary drink will keep you alert and enhance your concentration.

Coming out of an addiction will demand more of self-control on your part. Several occasions may tempt you to revert back to your addiction. You are likely to feel horrible when some guests will arrive at your home and they will be served with caffeinated drinks like coke or coffee right in front of you. They may be offering you as well if they are unaware of your addiction and your decision to quit. Whatever may be the chances of getting back to your old habit, just remember that it's easier to get provoked, but it's a challenge to tame your mind.

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