For me, coffee quickly went from being a luxury to a necessity. It started off as being something I drank to feel more adult and a little bit more awake, to being the only invariable step of my morning routine. I'm fascinated by the people who have made it this far in life without succumbing to the temptation of a daily coffee. I do believe that I could quit coffee if I truly wanted to, but here are a few reasons why I never will:
1. The headaches get very real, very quickly.
My parents used to complain about caffeine headaches before I started drinking it myself, but I never understood the intensity that the pain can sometimes come in. They're especially bad after waking up late in the day. I may think that if I'm running late for class that I can wait until afterwards, but rarely is that the case. The only thing worse than being overwhelmingly tired is being overwhelmingly tired with a pounding headache.
2. Coffee is a social engagement.
Conversations over coffee are some of the most relaxing social exchanges I have, and it's the experience, not just the coffee. Coffee shops offer the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in another world with your cup, whilst still being included in this one. You can people watch and take a breather from the busyness of life.
3. Coffee has some serious health benefits.
I will admit that the fact that coffee is full of antioxidants is not my biggest motivator to drink coffee. It is, however, a bonus. Coffee can also reduce the risk for serious illnesses such as cirrhosis in the liver and Type 2 diabetes. It also helps to decrease risk of skin cancer in women and help maintain brain health. Rumor has it that coffee also makes you happier overall.
4. Coffee helps to jumpstart the day.
My day can begin just fine without coffee on some select days when I get enough sleep and the headache doesn't come around. Otherwise, it's the first thing to my lips in the morning. Caffeine can give you energy to start the day right away under the illusion that you got enough sleep. It wakes up my mind and I feel more prepared after I have my first cup.
5. I just...love it.
Coffee comes in so many different forms, and while I only drink it hot, I appreciate all the different ways it can be prepared. I love the whole experience of drinking a cup of coffee -- the scent, the taste, the feeling. It brings me happiness at any point in the day. This, if anything, is my biggest justifier for never, ever giving up coffee.
