I gave up coffee for good — one key aspect of my life has improved in a major way

I've always been a coffee lover but when I was forced to give up my morning habit for health reasons, I didn't know how I was going to cope. However, I was shocked by the results

Popping a pod into my Nespresso machine and indulging in a frothy coconut latte used to be one of the highlights of my day. Adding a splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup or half a teaspoon of brown sugar, I was all set to face the day head-on.

Since my teenage years, I've always kick-started the day with a coffee but when health reasons forced me to abandon my morning routine I was at a loss for how to cope. Switching to tea, which also packs a caffeine punch, wasn't an option so I had to confront one of my biggest fears: going cold turkey.

I never considered my daily morning coffee to be a particularly harmful habit. In fact, as reported by the Express, consuming two to five cups of coffee a day has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's and depression, according to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

So, when I began experiencing withdrawal symptoms after missing my morning coffee for two days, I was taken aback. A throbbing headache and feeling unusually drowsy during the day were the main symptoms, along with increased irritability.

A quick Google search confirmed what I was going through: caffeine withdrawal. At this juncture, I could see why it would be tempting to cave in and enjoy a creamy latte but I was resolute in wanting to stick to my goals.

After a few days, the withdrawal symptoms subsided and I began to feel more energised. Instead of clinging to the belief that I "needed" coffee, I switched to starting my day with a large glass of water. This proved not only more refreshing in the warm weather but also more hydrating.

Yet, the most significant change I've noticed since quitting coffee is the improvement in my sleep quality. I've always struggled to fall asleep, being a light sleeper. While I was aware that coffee might be a factor, I often blamed other reasons such as eating late, insufficient exercise, or too much screen time before bed.

What I hadn't considered was the impact of caffeine on increasing anxiety levels and disrupting sleep by blocking adenosine, a chemical that aids in sleep regulation.

Now, I find myself falling asleep quickly after going to bed. My sleep is not only quicker to come but also deeper and more restorative, leading to earlier mornings and increased productivity.

And along the way, I've managed to find some delicious alternatives that might just be better than the real thing.

Coffee alternatives that you might end up liking more

Matcha Tea Powder

While still containing caffeine, matcha, a traditional Japanese green tea that's ground, has less than most coffee cups and offers a more prolonged energy boost as it's absorbed slower. Unlike coffee, I find this doesn't lead to a caffeine crash and hasn't negatively affected my health. I only drink it very occasionally and always in small amounts in a matcha latte. My top choice is Bird and Blend Tea Co. 's Pure Grade Matcha, which I pair with coconut milk and a dash of maple syrup.

Turmeric latte

Also known as 'golden milk', turmeric lattes boast numerous health benefits. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and can help enhance your sleep quality. My go-to is Naturya's Organic Turmeric Superblend, available for £6.69 from Holland and Barrett.

Decaf coffee

Although decaffeinated coffee still contains a tiny amount of caffeine, it's significantly less than a regular cup. Decaffeinated coffees have been unfairly criticised over the years and often don't taste as good as the real deal.

However, if you own a coffee machine, I'd highly recommend Starbucks by Nespresso Decaf Espresso Coffee pods. Paired with frothy milk and half a teaspoon of brown sugar, you could almost fool yourself into thinking you're drinking a regular coffee... almost.

Gingerbread chai tea

A friend introduced me to this tea, and now I can't stop purchasing it. Another one from Bird and Blend Tea Co, this tea can be enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk. I adore combining it with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla syrup for a spicy take on a pumpkin spice latte. Composed of rooibos, cinnamon, and ginger, it's the ideal autumnal drink.

Peppermint tea

Whenever I'm feeling slightly unwell, peppermint tea is always my first choice. This beverage can assist in digestion, alleviate tension headaches, and is packed with antioxidants. My top pick is Teapigs Peppermint Tea, available at Sainsbury's for £4.75.