The Caffeine Grumbles

If youre anything like me and caffeine constitutes an entire food group, then today/yesterday would've been hard.

Like, really hard.

Given Ramadan is a time to focus on getting your head straight ( and not the headaches), its worthwhile to spend a little bit of time working out how to minimise the disruption that caffeine withdrawal will cause you. It can last anywhere between 2-9 days so if youre one of those that has to spend the first few days of Ramadan sniffing coffee beans to get through , then you might want to listen in.

Here are some tried and tested tips to surviving this unholy time without falling asleep at your work desk:

1. Cut down your caffeine intake slowly

If youre the type that can handle having a coffee in the arvo without feeling the need to stay up on Facebook till fajr, then have half your usual intake of coffee at iftar for a few days and slowly cut down the amount you consume over the first week. If having it in the afternoon disrupts your sleep, then simply wake up a bit earlier than usual for suhoor and have plenty of water afterwards ( as it may dehydrate you).

2. Drug yourself up

( NB: I have not in any way, shape or form been bribed or otherwise received any payment from the makers of any painkillers for this post)

Panadol and Nurofen Plus. God bless 'em. There are formulations of Panadol which allow it to last for up to 8 hours ( Nurofen Plus lasts around 6 hours but is generally stronger if you can handle it and have used it before. Its behind the counter so you'll need to ask your pharmacist for these). If you take these at suhoor and iftar for a few days, they should help take the edge off the pain.

3. Be warned!

Let your colleagues know that youre fasting and stepping into Im-going-to-throttle-someone territory so that theyre prepared for your bad temperament. Having the caffeine grumbles is an ugly thing and those around you have a right to know that your sudden mood swings will go away soon and that you havn't suddenly morphed into a Ramadan version of the Grinch.

4. ZZZzzzzzzz.....

No, my keyboard isnt playing up. Rest is a sacred thing in Ramadan. One of the best ways of getting rid of a caffeine withdrawal headache is to sleep it off. Im not suggesting you quit your job for this but if possible, spend your lunchtime taking a nap at your desk or car to help you deal with fatigue and aches that comes as a result of ditching coffee for a month.

Anyone else have some super ideas for dealing with caffeine withdrawal whilst fasting?