The saying “a little of what you fancy” never worked for me—especially with coffee. My resolve to stick to two cups a day often crumbles into four or five. I’m better at quitting altogether, riding the high of self-control until I inevitably relapse.
But some vices aren’t worth giving up—they bring joy. Coffee lifts my mood, energizes me, and oddly, calms me. Once, I quit for two months to cure insomnia, only to find life duller and my sleeplessness unchanged. A lose-lose.
Three months ago, I stopped trying to quit and instead embraced a single daily cup. It started at a retreat where we were limited to one freshly brewed coffee a day. I agonized over when and where to drink it, then savored every sip. Surprisingly, I kept the habit at home.
Now, coffee isn’t a mindless routine—it’s a ritual. I don’t gulp it down while working; I pause and enjoy it. A few times a week, I visit a cozy café called Lilac, where the quality makes a single cup satisfying. The better the coffee, the less I crave.
If I want another cup, I ask myself why—am I tired, anxious, or just thirsty? Often, herbal tea or water does the trick. I’ve realized my “coffee craving” is sometimes just a need for warmth or a break. Understanding that has helped me cut back.
Most importantly, I feel better. Coffee sharpens my mind and lifts my mood. It’s excess that’s the problem, not coffee itself—it’s packed with antioxidants and even benefits circulation. My body has adjusted, too; two cups now leave me jittery.
A single, savored cup isn’t a vice—it’s a pleasure.
Wolf Moon: A Woman’s Journey Into the Night by Arifa Akbar is published by Sceptre (£16.99). To order a copy, visit guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
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