Break me off a piece of that - coffee?

May 24, 2025
Written by Laura Leigh

Over-Caffeinated & Over-Stimulated?

Why Your Nervous System Is Begging for a Break

Real talk - how many of us are running on vibes and iced coffee? (Raises hand, guiltily sips from third cup of the day.) In a world obsessed with hustle culture, it’s no surprise that many of us are overstimulated, sleep-deprived, and deep in a codependent relationship with caffeine. But what if your daily energy crash wasn’t because you’re lazy or unmotivated - what if it’s because your nervous system is in a constant state of fight-or-frappuccino?

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, temporarily blocking adenosine (your brain's natural sleepiness signal). This makes you feel alert—but it also raises cortisol and adrenaline, two key stress hormones. And too much of that? Yep, it can leave you jittery, anxious, irritable, and even more tired in the long run.

Stats to sip on:

☕ The average adult in the U.S. consumes 200-300mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 2-3 cups of coffee.

☕ More than 85% of Americans drink at least one caffeinated beverage daily.

☕ Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, digestive issues, headaches, and worsened anxiety.

Your body is not a machine—it’s a rhythm. And when it’s flooded with artificial energy, it eventually burns out.

Natural Energy Alternatives

That Won’t Spike & Crash You

Before you swear off your beloved oat milk latte forever, try weaving in some gentler energy boosts to create balance :

🌿 Adaptogens – Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil help regulate cortisol and support adrenal health.

🫖 Green tea – Contains L-theanine, which smooths out the caffeine buzz and promotes calm alertness.

🍄 Mushroom magic – Try cordyceps or lion’s mane for sustained, non-jittery energy.

💧 Stay hydrated – Even mild dehydration can make you feel sluggish and foggy.

Nervous System-Friendly Energy Rituals

If you’re seeking sustainable, soul-friendly energy, the secret isn’t more caffeine - it’s regulation. Here are some practices that gently recharge your batteries:

🔋 Morning sunlight – Signals your circadian rhythm to wake up naturally (plus a dose of Vitamin D!).

🚶‍♀️ Walk it out – A brisk walk increases blood flow, oxygen, and happy hormones like dopamine.

🧘‍♀️ Breathwork – Try a few rounds of energizing breath like Kapalabhati or even simple box breathing.

🎶 Cold splash or shower – Stimulates the vagus nerve and resets your system without a double espresso.

📵 Less scroll, more soul – Reduce digital noise. Constant notifications = constant nervous system chaos.

Tune-in to Your Body

What Your Fatigue Might Be Trying to Say

Fatigue isn’t always a sign you need more caffeine. Sometimes it’s your body whispering: Please slow down. Sometimes it’s saying: Let’s heal before we hustle. If you’ve been feeling burned out, overstimulated, or like you can’t even hear your own thoughts - you're not alone. Your nervous system is sacred. You don’t need to caffeinate your way through life. You just need space to rest, recalibrate, and remember your rhythm.

With all the softness and sparkle, sending hugs, kisses, & butt squeezes,
Scream Her Name Collective