Recently, in what might have been a misguided effort to take care of myself, I decided to give up my daily cup of coffee. I had gone a few days without drinking any because of the stomach bug my family had, and I decided that I ought to just stop all together. For the next few days, I drank black or green tea instead. After a few days of exclusive tea drinking, I decided that I would eliminate caffeine all together and only drink herbal tea. I thought it would be good to get in touch with how I really feel. You know, get in touch with my decaffeinated body. So here I am, two weeks without coffee and about one week without caffeine. I feel…tired and kind of old. Haggard would be a good word. Of course Job is also nursing an excessive number of times during the night and I need to night wean him again. (Yes, again.) But at least I know now that my cup or two of coffee a day wasn’t what was causing his night waking.
A few sleepy days ago, I impulsively made an appointment for a haircut this week, my first one in nearly a year. I boldly scheduled with a new stylist at a new salon. I have haircut anxiety so this was big. My plan was just a little trim, and then maybe I might decide to go short again next time. I lost so much hair after my last two babies, that I guess I’ve been hanging on to the little I have left, scraggly as it is. The day of my appointment, while I waited in the salon to be called back, the girl at the counter offered me “Coffee?” (Sigh.) “Tea?” “A Coke?” I replied, “I’m good, unless you have apple cider vinegar, and in that case I’d like a little diluted with purified water, but only if you have the stuff with The Mother.” Just kidding. But that is what I’ve been drinking for the past week in addition to herbal tea. I’m not sure what I am expecting to accomplish with that, so far I’m just tired.
The young, bouncy, adorable girl that cut my hair acted shocked when I told her that I’m 37 years old and have an unreasonable number of little bunnies at home. She said that she assumed I was younger than her. She’s 29. I LOVE her even though she’s a liar. She’s cutting my hair from now on. She inspired me to forget the trim and cut about six inches off my hair, and I’m glad. Jonny took pictures so I could email my mom, who has always been concerned for my hair. (And mom, you’ll be pleased to know that I bought a new product to make it bigger too.) I guess I thought you guys might want to see it as well. If not, rest assured that I only write about my hair about once a year.
But most importantly, should I just forget all this nonsense about getting in touch with the way I really feel and start drinking coffee again? Or should I be all pure and decaffeinated? I’ve proven that I can go without coffee, so it would probably be okay to just have my one cup a day. Right? RIGHT? My sister Sarah, a coffee drinker herself suggested that I stop this nonsense and drink my coffee. “You’re too tired for this!”
I am. I love my bunnies, but they exhaust me.
I love this post, Ginny. I can relate so much. I hate going to the salon! It started when I was growing up in the Philippines where everyone had straight hair or getting their hair straightened, and I have thick, unruly, curly hair. Someone’s always poking fun or making not-so-nice comments. Late last year I cut my hair after looking at a tutorial on Youtube and I’m happy about it. Not perfect but I know what to change next time I do it. Never going to a salon again 😀
I’m gonna be one of the pro caffeine voices. The little things in life.
Hi Ginny! I can totally relate to the giving up of coffee, over and over again. I’ve started calling it a break when I quit, because I know it won’t be forever. My husband is actually a coffee roaster, and brings home amazingly delicious, very freshly roasted coffee. That adds to the impossibility of giving it up for good. I quit in July and made it til January, that was my longest break. However, when I “quit” I don’t have it during the week, but always have a cup on Saturday or (sometimes and) Sunday, because my husband is home in the morning and brews it on those days, and it smells so good I just have to have it!
I didn’t read the other comments, so I’m sorry if this is redundant, but I also want to say, in case you don’t already know this, that it is actually really, really good to quit coffee every once in a while. Caffeine causes a low-level flight or fight response in the body, which lasts for four hours. Your adrenals secrete adrenaline during this time. If you drink coffee every day, (especially if you have it more than once a day) then over time you will experience adrenal fatigue, which means, basically, your adrenals are shot. This has all sorts of repercussions throughout your body, as everything is so connected. One symptom of adrenal fatigue is…. feeling tired and sluggish! So, while you are off the coffee, drink herbal teas or take tinctures that support the adrenals’ healing. I can’t remember which herbs those are, but I’m sure Google knows! Then your breaks from coffee will include some good healing for your adrenals. This might help you feel more energetic and less sleepy. (However, since you’re not getting a full nights’ sleep because of night nursing interrupting your sleep, it is entirely possible that even after supporting your adrenals and getting them back in balance, you might still be tired until you night wean.) Good luck, and remember, coffee or no coffee, be gentle with yourself! You are doing an amazing job!
Wow, sounds like you hit the husband jackpot!!!
Drink your coffee and enjoy every sip 🙂
Your hair looks great at a shorter length!
I love reading your blog – even when you talk about your hair. And I love the bunnies reference. I only have 3 but when they were little that’s how I thought of them.
I drink decaf coffee and tea because I don’t want to be dependent on caffeine every single day but I love the taste – and warmth. I can drink coffee with or without sweetener but not without some kind of milk (or cream, guilty pleasure). And when I do need that occasional caffeine rush to help me push through I know it will kick in with just one cup. Do whatever works for you. 🙂
I think it is an innocent enough vice. Why deny yourself the small pleasure.
Hi Ginny. I do love the beautiful haircut! 🙂 I know what you mean.. my hair has been falling out for what seems a long while. My once-a-year haircut helps me to take less notice of the hair that does fall out!
I have also given up coffee because, despite the lift it gave me, I would always have bad effects later in the day. So, I just go for tea these days as well… though not always decaf. I do have an occasional swig of water with apple cider vinegar “With the Mother” as well 😉 I am struggling in the same way.. that co-op coffee station is so tempting sometimes 😉
and.. my beloved Grandpa lived to the age of 96 and always loved his strong, plain black coffee! My Grandma, 93, drank it most of her life, also strong and black, though she had to give it up in recent years due to kidney issues.
I know I was told by a doctor that I have one of the worst cases of adrenal issues that he’s seen, so I do think it is best for me personally if I try to stick it out and forego the coffee/caffeine.. (I have read research on adverse effects on those struggling with adrenal health). But, I also agree with others that if it helps you get through the day, then I can see the point of view which says, “Just drink the coffee!”.. because I myself have done that and it has helped me get through a day. But, despite the conflicts of opinion in my own brain, I think I will try to stay the course, hoping that it will be for the best if I forego the caffeine/coffee… in the long run!
Prayers for you and your lovely family!
I know what you mean about hair cut issues – The cut is very nice on you & yes you do look younger than you are.
Nothing wrong with coffee in moderation – life’s too short to give up anything.
Enjoy!!
Your hair looks great! I just cut mine to your length also. I was hanging onto one very scraggily thin piece of long icky hair.
I have read studies that say coffee is actually good for you??!!
I just would drink in moderation or unless your dr. told you not too because of health reasons!
I say, approach it seasonally. No need to be permanently with or without. I always think about giving up coffee after the new year, but in the winter? Just the thought of a hot cup of joe is what gets me out of bed in the morning! In the warmer months, I’m fine with herbal teas. Prefer them, in fact. I’ve decided that, like foods, there are just seasons to my choice of beverages. And I kind of like it that way!
You look gorgeous with your new haircut! And yes, you should drink coffee.
Such a beautiful post. “I love my bunnies, but they exhaust me.” That’s exactly how I feel! I gave up green tea for six months but have recently return to it because I enjoy the taste. The energy burst from it doesn’t hurt either. I enjoy coffee, too, but the caffeine is too intense for me, especially since I like more than one cup when the weather turns cold.
drink the coffee!!! 🙂 Love your hair cut too.
i only have 5 kids. And here i sit with my sweet caffeinated nectar. How in the world can you function with more kids and less caffeine? I would never be able to keep up with my younger ones! And lovely cut. I am 2 yrs out from a cut and suffer cut anxiety. Putting away pennies because when you get your hair cut so little I feel its ok to spluge on a very good cut once (every other) a year. Also I was reading that coffee every day is a good for you. why I forget i dint have my coffee yet when i saw the report!
It would be fun to hear about your home schooling. As a retired teacher, I have always wanted to teach in a one room school house. Do your younger children benefit from hearing/watching the older kids doing their work? Do you feel your older ones get enough content compared to students in high school who take advanced courses and science labs, etc.
Hi Ginny – first of all … I love your posts – always so kind and honest and real life stuff. (crap) I too agree keeping healthy is one thing, but depriving coffee should be OK for lent only – A cup of joe a day is happiness for a moment. I find coffee actually settles me to stay with prayer and meditation longer.
However I really find your statement of “taking care of myself” to be difficult for me. In my low self esteem I resist self gratification for self misery. For me this is a fine line but when I meet a women with a humble disposition AND happy; I then know I am the sick one.
The photo at the bonfire is so incredible “hobbit” looking – love it!
And love you Ginny, I am coming Feb 19 thru 23 again 🙂
Bonnie
Ok Just to let you know. This is so weird but a few months ago I had clumps of hair coming out in the shower. Midlife…Then I faithfully started taking a vitamin mixture all from walgreens. I suddenly have new baby hair about an inch long coming in all over my head. For those who need it I take, 1/2 a one a day pro-edge, one half a Bcomplex and one vitamin that has a mixture of borage,flax and fish oil combined. I can’t beleive it. But it’s true. Maybe your fatigue/hair loss is from not enough vitamins:)Enjoy a cup of coffee today.
Drink the hot coffee. You’re welcome.
i say drink the coffee if it makes you happy. I’m about to give it up myself for a while, but that’s mainly because I’m giving up sugar and at the moment I like my coffee with sugar. I’m also going to start eating veggies for breakfast and a bunch of other things that would sound crazy to most. I’m so untaken care of, so tired, in pain. Time for big changes.
As a lady in my Bible Study wisely told me. “If you want to give up coffee, that is all well and good, but DON’T do it in the WINTER! PLEASE!” Sage advice. Love your blog.
LOL, so true.
I am chuckling right now. I can totally relate to both of these struggles 🙂 I get 2ish haircuts a year and I’m going next week. I’m craving a change, bangs maybe? BUT that may be a really bad thing to do at 32 weeks pregnant!? I LOVE your new haircut. Mine is a grown out version of that style- although as I’ve gotten older and my hair has changed in texture it just doesn’t lay as nice. As far as the coffee- I vote for enjoying your cup or two a day 🙂 I feel like I AM taking care of me when I enjoy my morning mug that my husband delivers to me in bed right before he leaves for work 🙂 It’s a gift I don’t want to give up on. I had to quit caffeine with my last baby because it made him CRAZY. It was really hard! I’m hoping this baby is okay with mama’s one cup a day- all of my others except the last one were fine with it!
Hi Ginny,
Have the coffee. Honestly, you have to have the small pleasures in life.
Toni
Ginny, your haircut looks amazing! And it’s wonderful to see you in pictures with your kids, too.
As for the coffee…just do it. You know how you feel without caffeine. You know that you could technically live without caffeine. But if you like coffee, and you feel good drinking it, just do it! There are worse things to drink out there :).
PS. I love coming to this blog. It’s nice and quiet (although, ironically, I’m sure a house full of children is anything but quiet ;)).
i’ve heard people who quit drinking coffee really enjoy this http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=crio%20bru&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Acrio%20bru&sprefix=crio%20br%2Caps&tag=afterthough08-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=7XNR6W5SHS4KVPTR
it brews up just like coffee, i think, in a french press or whatever. i haven’t ever had any, but it sure looks yummy!
I do so love your fresh hair and wish mine could look like that! I have struggled with adrenal fatigue in the past and now drink black tea in the mornings. I don’t ever notice a change when I don’t have time to drink my tea but I notice a huge adrenal rush and then crash when I have even a tiny bit of delicious coffee. Even the next couple of days drag me down. If you have been without for a few weeks you should have noticed a change in energy if it is really causing you adrenal issues. If not, then I say by all means you can handle it! Have you tried adding butter to it for added energy?
In truth coffee drinkers are less likley to be depressed – probably because we are too wired to realize the mayhem around us. True or not it works for me, I enjoy it a great deal and it makes like happier for me and my family.
A bit of caffiene helps me be more ‘present’ if that makes sense.
It also makes donuts taste much better – now that may be something for me to give up:)
I also have some bees. We are in mid-missouri with 3 hives. Two are doing well and i put some candy boards on this weekend. The 3rd hive ran away from home completely, not dead, just gone. I strongly suspect they moved over to hive #1. I consider making it to January to be a good sign 2/3 is something I can live with. Will order one more package for spring and see how it goes.
Best of luck all around.
p.s. the haircut is very sharp
I’ve read medical research that shows that women who drink (in moderation) daily coffee experience less depression, especially the older they get so … There’s that, for what it’s worth.
Fatigue is so challenging. I have Chronic Fatigue and so does my 12yo son. And of course mothering a nursing toddler requires a huge energy commitment from mama 🙂 I remember is all with great fondess, but I also remember that so ling as I had a nursing toddler, i had to take a nap too! I would also maybe suggest making sure you aren’t vit D deficient?
Sweet haircut! 🙂
LOVE your new cut! Soon I will be doing the same to mine and I can’t wait! Unrelated to your cut, do you have tips for night weaning? I’ve been terrible at it with four out of five of my kids and this last little guy is still going strong at night. He’ll be a year soon and I really want my nights back! I’d love to hear of any ideas others have. And as far as the coffee, I commend you! I have given up caffeine before (when we did GAPS intro) and I made it but it didn’t last. I love my tea way too much! And like you, I love my little ones, but they exhaust me! 🙂
LOVE the new haircut! So fresh — and like someone else replied, looks like spring! I say drink the coffee if you really want it. Everything in moderation – and why shouldn’t we have some treats for ourselves. Especially when we are homeschooling our kids, running a house and working an outside job?! It seems that getting enough sleep and some time during the day for ourselves is what we really need to feel rested and calm! Have a great day!
I’m going to be the friendly voice that goes against the crowd and encourages you to go at least a little longer without caffeine. You’ve done the hardest work already, so why not go a little longer, so you can really settle in and see how you feel without caffeine. It gets easier and easier. I don’t drink coffee anymore (it is way too much caffeine for me–I always end up feeling shaky and hungry if I have it), but until recently, I always had my cup of caffeinated black tea every morning. From time to time, I would try to kick it and go caffeine free for a while, but after a while I would always cave and go back to the caffeine. I’m seeing a nurse practitioner right now for fatigue, and she told me to avoid caffeine altogether, because it stresses your adrenals and ends up making you feel even more tired and stressed in the long run. So I have been completely caffeine free for about three months now, and I really do feel so much better that I don’t even want to go back to that caffeinated tea! I have a cup of decaf black tea with a little honey and cream every morning to satisfy my need for the ritual of caring for myself with a hot drink, and I really don’t even miss the caffeine now. So here’s a gentle nudge of encouragement to keep it up. If you give it a little more time, you may find that you feel even better without the coffee. And if you’re still feeling tired, then why not find a health care provider who could help you look into the reasons why you’re feeling fatigued? I finally did just that (after feeling so tired for years after my daughter was born), and it turned out I was deficient in some vitamins. All I needed was the right nutritional supplements, and I am started to feel much better.
Hi Ginny….I love the haircut..it’s fresh and I know that I always feel great when I get a good cut..it just puts a bounce in your step.
As for the coffee, I say drink it….why stop at one cup if you enjoy it. I keep reminding myself that my life is “right now” and to partake in the things that bring me joy..why not use the nice glass for myself….etc.
Kudos for your experiment but I say if you like the coffee and how you feel sipping a cup as part of your daily ritual to return to it.
Tracy
Drink the coffee <3. All things in moderation, right? Haircut is cute, reminds me of spring for some reason :). Happy Friday!
-gayle.
Beautiful hair cut! I have/ am going through a similar caffeine waffle. Or at least about giving up coffee. I can’t get over how much coffee energizes me(with four busy boys, that’s awesome) but also increases my tension (not so awesome). I tend to make my decision on a day to day basis based on which I need, or don’t need most. And yes, who really knew before these cute loveable little bunnies arrived how very exhausting they could be!
The haircut is very flattering – beautiful lady 🙂 I’ll tell you my coffee habit secret. I do half caf. I buy one package of each and mix them. (One decaf and one regular) This is so I can have TWO glorious cups of coffee each day!! There are antioxidants in that stuff!! AKA – it’s healthy!! I totally swear it is good for me as long as I stick to my one cup rule. Breaking it occasionally when I know I will be up late with studio/shop business…… but really my dear friend… have a cup of coffee if you love it. Much love from a fellow coffee lover (and house full of bunnies)
xo~
ps ~ You can get swiss water process decaf if you want chemical free decaf. I’ll be honest, I don’t usually buy it. It’s hard to find and at some point I have to remind myself *everything* doesn’t have to be the best/perfect/organic/etc.
Your so funny!! and your hair looks great. what is the stuff to make it bigger? I’d like some too.
I’ve gone coffee free for weeks at a time then I just crack and drink a jug of it in one go!!! I say drink coffee it’s so yummy and it smells so good first thing in the morning. Also I remember reading a study one time about a scandinavian country – think it was sweden – who drink loads of the stuff and have a very low rate of alzhiemers – so it’s good for you too (scientifically proven)!
Kindest regards from the french alps
Your hair cut looks great Ginny. Hmmmm I definitely would be reaching for a guilt free cup of coffee and savouring it. A little of what you fancy and all that. Perhaps consider it medicine!
The last time I tried to quit coffee I got a visual migraine – my first and last so far – while driving. I had to pull over and have my unlicensed passenger get us home. You’ve already done so much hard work, don’t waste it!
Your hair looks really cute.
I get those! They are really scary. I did wonder if caffeine might be causing them, until I started to get one yesterday. I think that sleep deprivation might be my trigger.
It could be that you haven’t totally gotten the caffeine out of your system and you’re going through withdrawal, which can trigger migraines. You could also be getting caffeine from other sources. When I was going through dr. visits for my migraines, I was told to try eliminatng caffeine which is in a lot of things not just drinks-chocolate and cheese are two big culprits.
I say a cup a morning is fine to keep you going. Good luck in whatever you decide. Love your posts and your pictures, btw. 🙂
Your hair looks great!! As for the coffee… Well… I tried the same thing (minus the apple cider vinegar concoction :), and decided one cup of coffee per day was good for me and everyone around me. Have a great day!
Good morning Ginny.
I love your new haircut. Super cute. I get mine cut about every year or two.
I have 7 bunnies ( from 16 down to 8) and I love my coffee. If you enjoy it, then go ahead and really enjoy it!!
I want to thank you for the washcloths too…
I few things came to my mind that I wanted to write to you, I love it here at Small Things, your life is an inspiration to me. I love coffee & your hair cut.
I love your stories Ginny! Drink your coffee! My husband has tried to give up his cup of coffee and he doesn’t act quite right….some people just need coffee. I can’t drink it….I don’t even like the smell of it. Neither does my sister….or my aunt….or my grandmother. I can’t drink tea either….can’t stand it! I love water. But I think some people think I’m a little odd….
🙂
You. Are. Hilarious. You killed me with the ACV dialogue in your head. So here’s the deal from here. I gave up coffee when I was wrestling with a chronic head ache a couple of months back. I cut all caffeine, figuring I was already pumping Advil so I’d never notice the headaches. Then over Christmas I was visiting my mom and neglected to pack my hippie morning drinks and ended up dipping into her black tea. Then last week I started sneaking 1/2 cups of coffee out of Pete’s thermos, which now I boldly do every morning. Oops. I totally fell off the wagon. But you know, I feel fine. The truth is I feel less crappy when I do have a little caffeine where when I was all decaf all the way I felt horrid when I had a cup of tea. So who knows. I think it’s kind of a homeschooling mama’s right to drink a little caffeine every day. Say when the 3:00 freak outs begin? Wow. This is a ridiculously long comment. Clearly I should have emailed instead. Off to sneak some coffee from my guy. Love you.
Love your writing style, it always makes me smile.
Your hair looks soooo nice!! As for the coffee I say go for it. Its only a cup a day. We have to enjoy the little things in life also. Have a great day!
I don’t comment here very often, but I read your blog every day, and so much of your experience mirrors my own. I always toy with the idea of giving up coffee, but goodness, with three little ones, including a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old (who also isn’t night weaned and wakes in the night) I am so tired already! Perhaps I should make the resolution to give up the guilt, instead.
Love your hair cut, love your stylist, love you to pieces! Now go get a cup of coffee or black tea and enjoy it!
You are rocking the new cut! You look beautiful…. and coffee is ALWAYS a good thing. 😉
Being a mom of 5 and home schooling too, I’d like to weigh in! I think coffee is one of the great pleasures of my life. Jesus came to give me abundant life and some may disagree but for me, this is part of it. It’s one pleasure I have for myself. I hope you go back to enjoying what you ENJOY. God wants you to be happy and enjoy life a bit. If that comes from a cup of joe, then so be it :). Blessings
Life is just better with coffee! 🙂
The haircut looks very nice on you. I went through the same thing looking for a stylist, and found one who is sweet and takes me and my hair as it comes. I’m actually taking my son to see her just for her to help him decide on a teen boy style he likes but will take care of.
As for caffeine, my husband once went to our doctor and said, “I’m thinking about giving up caffeine.” (He’s a three cup in the morning guy.) And the doctor’s reaction? “Why would you want to do that?!” So hubby gave up that idea. If you can go without the caffeine, it seems like you’re probably okay. 🙂
I get no buzz from caffeine, but SO enjoy (am enjoying at this moment) the comfort it seems to give. I wish I felt the same way about tea. Tea seems to much more elegant. But, no…..
I’d say if it helps you feel zippier, and you only drink a cup or two a day – I’ve heard studies that show that at that level, it has health benefits!