I listen to my music too loud, I sleep too much and I don't eat well. My mind is fuzzy and wanders. I take more pain pills than ever before.
I am caffeine free.
I feel more imprisoned by my decision to go cold turkey on caffeine for a week than I ever felt when I had one hand on a coffee cup most of the time. Of the numerous tactics I tried to stay alert, some worked but some just made me crave espresso more.
Sunday: There are a few problems, but who needs to function on a Sunday after three days of classes on "syllabus reading?" I think the experiment is going well, but then I burrow through my whole pantry for sweets and pass out at 11 p.m. with a stomachache. Good start?
Monday: Either because I didn't fall from a caffeinated high into bed last night or my blood sugar was through the roof, I didn't sleep well. Consequently, I decide to test the power of naps when my alarm goes off. I started the day with a 30-minute nap. Two more followed. Not productive.
Tuesday: I turn to healthy alternatives suggested by friends and family for the rest of the week. Fellow senior Andrew Miller never drinks caffeine, and his lifestyle seems manageable-at first. He drinks a lot of orange juice and Gatorade. I can handle that. He also gets 10 hours of sleep a night. Not happening. However, I did find juice is effective in combination with other sleep-replacements.
Wednesday:Yoga. Although I can't find anything to support it, my mother assures me 20 minutes in the "half tortoise" amounts to something like six hours of sleep. I learn a three-bedroom, four-girl apartment is not the place to try this.
Thursday: More Yoga-or any workout-in an appropriate setting proves to be the best upper yet. I spend two hours at Wilson and stay awake long enough to hear last call at Sati's. I'm doing well.
Friday: After many caffeine headaches, I am adjusting to the decaffeinated life. The occasional walk in cold air is almost as good of a quick fix as carrying my coffee pot to class with me. I have several friends who are forced to find caffeine substitutes after abusing it to the point of immunity. They recommend that most valuable option-spice.
Saturday: I rely on jalapeños, curry and Sriracha sauce. Who needs to taste their ramen, eggs or toast if it keeps those eyelids open?
Sunday: As coffee finally courses through my system, I pity Miller and the spice-fiends. My brain is finally at full speed in time to catch up on the homework I couldn't focus on all week.
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