Healthy Minds > Mental wellbeing and everyone > At Work > Coffee Bean Mean?

Coffee Bean Mean?

Get serene by ditching caffeine!

Cut down on caffeine and boost your health

Loads of us love a cup of coffee.  Whether it’s Fairtrade filter or a frothy cappuccino, everybody has a favourite brew.  But did you know that the caffeine in coffee can make stress levels worse?  Even instant coffee, tea and colas can contain significant amounts of caffeine.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the heart and central nervous system. It’s also known to increase blood pressure in the short-term.  And too many cups can make you feel jittery and anxious – not good, if you’re stressed already!

Try swapping a few of your daily cuppas for a different hot drink from our suggestions below – and see if you notice a difference in your mood.

ALTERNATIVE HOT DRINKS

1. Herbal teas – there are hundreds of different types, so you’re bound to find one you like.  Some suggestions: lemon and ginger, peppermint, camomile or apple tea all taste great.
2. Why not try rooibos tea?  It’s a type of South African tea made from a red bush – and it has a distinctive smoky flavour.
3. Hot blackcurrant drink – it’ll take you back to your schooldays!
4. Try decaffeinated coffee or tea occasionally for something different- you probably won’t notice the difference in flavour.
5. In a coffee bar, why not order a steamer – steaming hot milk – flavoured with a dash of cinnamon?

Cold drinks you can try instead of coffee are fruit smoothies or fruit juice mixed with sparkling water. But remember you can’t beat plain water for its health benefits!

Read 'A recipe for happiness'...