Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in the consumption of caffeinated drinks. These include coffee, sodas, tea, and energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar and 5-Hour Energy. All of these include stimulants that can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, triggering that fight or flight condition in your body.
Without a doubt, caffeine is one of the key culprit in triggering anxiety and panic attacks.
Here are four things to keep in mind about caffeine:
Association
Many people associate caffeine intake with anxiety, fear and panic attacks. While there can be some physical association, it must be understood that caffeine is not the root problem for anxiety and panic attacks. Root causes are often tied to emotional wounds and traumas that need a much deeper healing than simply eliminating this stimulant.
Caffeine is just a trigger of other deeper issues that need to be addressed. True freedom comes when you find healing from the inner trauma.
Desensitization
People who have experienced anxiety and panic attacks are often overly sensitized to certain sensations, feelings and emotions. The stress put on the body increases your central nervous system’s sensitivity. Desensitization is essential for healing. You must find ways of reducing stress and working through those things that increase your stress levels.
One of the ways you can desensitize yourself is…
Elimination
Since caffeine is a known trigger for anxiety and panic attacks, elimination can be one of the most beneficial steps in finding freedom. By removing this stimulant from your daily routine, it can help bring down your adrenaline and cortisol levels, making it easier for you to work through the root issues that cause anxiety and panic.
It’s recommended that you do not quit caffeine cold turkey. The sudden elimination of caffeine is widely known to have certain withdrawal symptoms. Headaches are the most common symptom. If you are unsure on how to best eliminate caffeine, then talk to your doctor.
Moderation
So, are those morning cups of latte bliss and mocha joy forbidden forever? For a few people, maybe. But, I don’t think everyone has to quit caffeine indefinitely. Once those root issues are dealt with accordingly, and the emotional triggers are gone, then most people can moderately introduce caffeine back into their daily life.
In my life, there was a season I could not drink any caffeine. No sodas, no coffee and no tea. Today, however, I enjoy a couple cups of coffee in the morning and maybe a glass of iced tea in the afternoon. I completely avoid energy drinks because most of them have lots of stimulants and chemicals designed to get your heart racing. For me, it’s just not worth it. I moderate my caffeine based on my sensitivities.
Prayer: Father, show me if my caffeine intake has been a culprit and then give me the wisdom and strength to cut back or eliminiate it.