Caffeine, Useful Or Useless?

If you are like me, this is a weakness of yours too. I digest way too much caffeine each day. I probably have at least six or more servings each day. More than I should consume in several days. I drink too much cola. That is my problem. Not only is it loaded with sugar, it has caffeine in it too.

That morning cup of coffee to get you going isn’t a problem. For most people it does help wake them up and become more alert. For many, it’s that morning cup of coffee that helps jump start their day and become more worthwhile. But like anything else if you drink more caffeine than you should, this can have the opposite effect of what you intend. Too much caffeine can cause a rebound effect and leave you feeling even more drained of your energy than when you started out. Additionally, too much caffeine constantly in your system can cause you to have problems getting the proper sleep at night. This can become a very big problem.

You may not think of it as a problem, but it is. Caffeine is addictive. Yes, you can get hooked to it. I’m not saying that you will be like a crack head if you don’t get a cup of coffee. But anyone who is addicted to caffeine knows how it feels to get the shakes when you don’t have any in your system. This is the addictive qualities of it. You are shaking because you are going through withdraw. Your body is craving it and letting you know.

Indeed, caffeine is a great pick me up. That morning cup of coffee knocks the cobwebs off and puts a little extra bounce in your step. The key is that you use caffeine properly and don’t over do it. Side effects can develop when caffeine is overused. And certainly caffeine should never be used for a substitute for getting enough sleep. Particularly in situations where risk is involved such as driving over the road.

Understanding how to properly use caffeine is a key to keeping it in perspective. A cup of coffee while cramming for an exam is a great way to re-energize and can help you get through that last chapter. However, grabbing an extra shot of caffeine to keep you more alert while operating a a vehicle or other potentially dangerous machinery is obviously not a good use of caffeine. But what do you use when you need a little pick me up and you don’t want to go the caffeine route?

First of all, avoid any food that’s high in sugar. Don’t grab a candy bar when you’re feeling sluggish. Don’t drink sodas at lunchtime. These types of foods may give you a boost in energy, but the momentary gain in energy is more than lost when your body crashes from the sugar or caffeine rush. Instead, try to keep some fruit on hand for when you are feeling a bit tired or sluggish. An apple in your desk at work or other fruit that you can easily eat is a much better source of energy and is healthier for you.

Drinking juice is another excellent way to add some needed energy. Although juices may be just a bit more expensive than sodas, your energy will be more stable not to mention you’ll be more healthy. Be creative with your juice drinks. Don’t be afraid to mix some of your favorite juices in different proportions to achieve a new flavor. There is absolutely no and to the types of juice drinks that you can make up and enjoy.

Opting for juice instead of caffeine and sugars will keep your energy at a much more constant state throughout the day. If you were to achieve this instead of drinking colas and sodas, you’ll find that you won’t suffer that feeling of being burnt out as much.

The important thing is this in regards to caffeine. Have a cup of coffee from time to time if you are feeling a little tired. Don’t let it replace sleep. Don’t think that you can function the same on caffeine as you can fully rested. Don’t think that because you had two cups of coffee that it is safe to drive your car even if you are drop dead tired.