Coffee

What’s the grind?

Coffee. For many of us, it’s the little morning ritual that kick-starts the day. But when it comes to women’s health, especially around the Nervous System, coffee has a bit of a double edge. While caffeine can definitely give you that needed boost, it can also create stress for an already overloaded system. If you’re in a balanced, calm state, coffee can be a divine morning ritual; but if your Nervous System is in overdrive, it might be adding fuel to the fire.

Caffeine stimulates the Nervous System by increasing the production of cortisol and adrenaline—our stress hormones. This is great if you need a quick boost, but if you’re already stressed, caffeine can push you further into fight-or-flight mode. For women with a highly sensitive Nervous System, coffee can lead to jitters, anxiety, and even an energy crash later in the day. However, a regulated Nervous System can handle caffeine more smoothly, allowing you to enjoy coffee as a gentle, enjoyable part of your day.

So, how do you know if coffee is helping or harming? It’s all about listening to your body and being mindful of timing, preparation, and what you pair your coffee with. Here are a few practices to make coffee work with you, rather than against you.

Firstly, eat before coffee. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol levels, intensifying the stress response. Eating a bit of protein or healthy fats first can help smooth out caffeine’s effects and stabilise blood sugar. This might look like a slice of buckwheat toast with avocado, a boiled egg, or a handful of nuts.

Adding protein or fats helps further balance the effect of coffee. Protein, for example, helps keep blood sugar levels steady, countering the cortisol spike from caffeine, while healthy fats coat the stomach, reducing acidity and providing sustained energy alongside caffeine’s quick boost.

It’s also helpful to time your coffee right. Cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning, around 8-9 a.m., giving you a natural boost. Waiting until about 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to have your coffee can avoid adding stress during these peak cortisol hours and instead takes advantage of the natural rhythm of energy production.

Beyond this, make coffee a morning ritual rather than a rush. Rather than reaching for coffee immediately upon waking, start the day with a glass of water or gentle movement, allowing yourself to wake up gradually. Creating a mindful ritual around coffee—enjoying the aroma, the taste, and the warmth—can make it a relaxing, nourishing experience rather than a stress-fuelled habit.

Gud Stories 

From Janey

I used to roll out of bed, bleary-eyed, and go straight for the coffee pot. It was like I couldn’t start my day without it. But I slowly  realised my coffee habit was part of why I felt so edgy and frazzled all the time.

I decided to slow things down. Now, I wake up with a big glass of water, have some buckwheat bread with avocado, and take a few minutes to breathe. I wait until I’m fully awake and a bit more grounded before I have my coffee, usually around 10 a.m. It took me a while to get to this point but making these small changes has completely changed how I feel during the day. I’m still energised but without that jittery edge. It’s now a little ritual I look forward to rather than something I depend on.

When it comes to caffeine, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Tuning into your Nervous System’s needs can help you create a coffee routine that’s supportive rather than stressful. For some, reducing caffeine intake might be the answer, while others benefit from small tweaks to timing and nutrition.

Remember, coffee can be a beautiful ritual when enjoyed with awareness and care. For more insights into supporting your Nervous System, join The Gud Root Community for tips, stories, and resources to guide you on your wellness journey.