Buzz
I enjoy my coffee just like anyone else (if not more), but after a while, tolerance to its effects can really drag down the experience. If you want to feel like you’re ready to outrun a cheetah, try a short break from caffeine to reset your body’s sensitivity.
"Cycling" caffeine refers to taking a short break from your usual caffeine habit, like skipping your regular stop for a triple-shot latte or any caffeinated beverages—typically for around a month—to lower your tolerance. Over time, you may notice that the initial energizing effects of caffeine fade with regular use.
This isn’t always a negative outcome; it simply depends on what you’re using caffeine for.
Cycling caffeine (even for a short period) can offer multiple benefits depending on your goals. For example, if you want to enhance focus and reduce appetite, cycling caffeine can help restore your tolerance. On the other hand, if your goal is to improve endurance performance, research suggests cycling caffeine isn’t necessary, as those benefits “do not seem to be reduced with time,” according to Examine.
To learn whether cycling caffeine is the right choice for you, head to the full article. On the other hand, dealing with caffeine withdrawal is an entirely different challenge. For advice on overcoming your addiction, check out this article for some helpful tips (maybe even for good, if that’s your goal).
Image by Sami Niemela.
