Effective Ways to Get Rid of Coffee Jitters – Caffeine Jitters Solutions

Do you start your day with the invigorating aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee? You’re in good company! Recent studies reveal that nearly three out of four Americans, or about 73%, enjoy coffee every day. In fact, the average American consumes approximately three cups of coffee per day. It’s safe to say that coffee has brewed its way into our daily routines and hearts.

However, as delightful as this caffeinated beverage is, it can sometimes stir up some uncomfortable side effects—the notorious coffee jitters. This jittery sensation can make the idea of parting ways with your beloved brew seem daunting, if not downright impossible. But don’t fret! You don’t have to abandon your coffee ritual. There are effective strategies to manage and even prevent these jitters while still enjoying your favorite cup of joe.

What are coffee jitters?

Ever had that feeling where your heart is racing, your hands are shaking, and you can’t seem to sit still? That’s what we call ‘coffee jitters’. They’re essentially the physical manifestations of consuming too much caffeine.

So, what does it feel like when you experience coffee jitters? Here are the most common symptoms:

• Anxiety: You might feel unusually worried or restless.
• Shakiness: Your hands may tremble, making it hard to hold things steady.
• Dizziness: You could feel lightheaded, as if the room were spinning.
• Fast Heartbeat: Your heart rate may increase, making you feel like your heart is racing.
• Shortness of Breath: You might find it hard to catch your breath.

When you consume more caffeine than your body can handle, these symptoms usually start to appear. In moderation, caffeine’s stimulation of the central nervous system can be beneficial. It might make you feel more aware and awake. But when consumed in excess, this stimulation can lead to the uncomfortable sensations we know as coffee jitters.

How long do caffeine jitters last?

Caffeine jitters usually last for a few hours, with the effects of caffeine being felt as quickly as 15 minutes after consumption. The length of time can change based on a number of variables, such as tolerance level and the quantity of caffeine taken. 

For most people, if they consume a moderate to high amount of caffeine, the jitters should last roughly six hours. It is crucial to remember that caffeine has a half-life of roughly 5 to 6 hours, meaning that it will take at least that long for half of the amount you have consumed to exit your system.

Effective Strategies to Tackling Coffee Jitters

Got a case of the coffee jitters? Don’t worry! Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you keep those jittery sensations at bay:

Avoid More Caffeine

It may seem obvious, but if you’re feeling jittery, it’s best to hold off on more caffeine until your symptoms subside. This means saying no to that tempting second (or third) cup of coffee for the day.

Stay Hydrated

Water is your best friend when it comes to flushing out excess caffeine from your system. Make sure to drink plenty of H2O alongside your coffee to help keep your body balanced.

Get Moving

Physical activity can help your body metabolize caffeine faster. So, if you’re feeling jittery, try going for a brisk walk or doing a quick workout. Not only will it help with the jitters, but it’s also a great way to get in some daily exercise.

Eat a Balanced Meal

Food, especially carbohydrates and fats, can slow down the absorption of caffeine in your body. So, next time you grab a coffee, consider pairing it with a wholesome meal or snack.

Practice Deep Breathing

Exercises that involve deep breathing can help you feel less anxious and calm your nervous system. Try holding your breath for seven counts, inhaling for four counts, and exhaling for eight counts. Until you begin to feel more at ease, repeat this cycle a few times.

The Role of Coffee Type in Jitters

Believe it or not, the type of coffee you drink can play a significant role in whether or not you experience coffee jitters. Let’s take a look at some types of coffee that are more likely to give you those jittery feelings:

Espresso

While an espresso shot may seem small, it packs a powerful caffeine punch. In fact, it contains around 63 mg of caffeine per ounce, which is significantly higher than regular drip coffee, which has about 12–16 mg per ounce. So, if you’re prone to jitters, be cautious with your espresso consumption.

Cold Brew

Coffee grinds are steeped in cold water for a long time—usually 12 to 24 hours—to make cold brew coffee. Because of this procedure, coffee concentrate can contain up to twice as much caffeine as ordinary coffee. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, drinking cold brew could potentially lead to jitters.

Light Roast Coffee

Contrary to popular belief, light-roasted coffee typically contains more caffeine than its dark-roasted counterparts. The longer coffee beans are roasted (as in dark roasts), the more caffeine gets burned off. So, choosing a light-roasted coffee might increase your chances of experiencing jitters.

Choosing the Right Coffee for You

We’ve seen that coffee jitters can be an unwelcome side effect of enjoying your favorite caffeinated beverage. However, by understanding your personal caffeine tolerance and making wise choices about the type of coffee you drink, you can still enjoy your daily cup without the shakes.

If you have a caffeine sensitivity, you might want to stick with decaf or darker roast coffee. Dark roasts tend to have slightly less caffeine than light roasts, and decaf coffee, while not entirely caffeine-free, contains only a fraction of the caffeine found in regular coffee.

If you love the taste of espresso or cold brew but don’t want the extra caffeine, consider mixing these with a larger quantity of milk or water to dilute the caffeine content. You could discover an entirely new world of coffee flavors in addition to lessening your chance of getting jitters!

Never forget that each person has a different experience with coffee. One individual’s solution might not be another’s. The key is to listen to your body, adjust your coffee choices as needed, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovering the perfect brew for you. After all, coffee is meant to be savored, not feared. Happy brewing!