As I liberally filled my coffee cup this morning for a second time, I was reminded of earlier this year when I had tried to give up coffee. Glued to some influencer's regimen I was convinced that this detox would make me healthier, provide me clarity and undo the shackles that the bean-water has cast on me. There is also some odd societal notion that giving things up (sugar, coffee, meat) is a valuable skill, and people who demonstrate restraint are "better."
I was several days into this cleanse when my patient admitted that her day doesn't begin without coffee, and that the coffee cart comes a little late for her liking, (and probably:) did I have any pull with the coffee cart waitress. I confided in her that I was almost a week into being #coffeefree, but that the temptation of the coffee cart passing by was getting to me.
Why did you stop? She asked
Hmm...I don't want to rely on it, or drink too much of it, or well...I can't really remember. I mumbled, embarrassed that my reasoning suddenly sounded kind of silly.
She said, "really? I find that stupid, everybody relies on something. If it's something that actually makes your day better why can't you drink the coffee?"
Yeah, she called it stupid. But I loved that -- the honesty and the realization, that many of us are facing and giving into temptation daily. Why be so hard on yourself? Why make the rules so strict? She even cited some studies that say coffee and caffeine are good for you - and hey, I'm not going to check the sources.
I'm not here to analyze the health and nutritional value of coffee, or a detox from coffee either. While I think intermittently going without can be of value to those of us who find our first cup to be just a pre-game, who's to say.
Cheers from my mug to yours,
Kaylee
Follow along at @upsidedown_physio on instagram and @DPT_Klee on twitter.
Kaylee, PT, DPT
Kaylee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in the Bay Area of California. She received her degree in 2020 from The University of Miami and is currently practicing in an Assisted Living Facility. Kaylee is passionate about all things yoga, neuro-rehab, and limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation demonstrated through practice, student education and advocacy.
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