Gen Z Woman Reveals Small Lifestyle Change That Made Her Anxiety Disappear

A social media manager and influencer who stopped drinking caffeinated beverages in March to help her anxiety has since shared her experience on TikTok.

"I quit caffeine when I realized it was making my anxiety worse," said Kylie Ohlson, a 20-year-old from Salt Lake City.

Ohlson told Newsweek that she used to drink no more than two cups of caffeinated drinks per day. The National Coffee Association reported in 2022 that Americans drank about 517 million cups of coffee daily, and the stimulating drink had become increasingly popular among people ages 18 to 24.

Ohlson said she felt like she had no choice but to eliminate caffeine from her diet after noticing several side effects, including eye twitches and gut problems.

"Since quitting caffeine, I wake up with more energy. I don't feel the need to drink a coffee first thing in the morning," Ohlson said. "I feel more focused and at ease throughout the day."

"I had a constant eye twitch and always felt on edge," Ohlson said of the effects caffeine had on her. "Along with anxiety, I noticed gut problems—even when hydrating and eating before consumption—inflammation and acne, and heightened premenstrual syndrome symptoms, such as mood swings, and cramps."

She added: "I wanted to feel and look my healthiest. So I decided to see how I would feel without caffeine."

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, coffee has numerous advantages, including increasing vitality and preventing serious illnesses, such as Parkinson's and heart failure. However, it's not the greatest option for anxious individuals.

Amy Baertschi, a registered dietitian, spoke with Newsweek about the links between coffee and anxiety.

"It's important to remember that caffeine is a central nervous stimulant and will raise heart rate, blood pressure, and may cause heart palpitations if consumed in higher doses," said Baertschi, who lives in Zurich.

She continued: "For people with preexisting anxiety, adding something that will exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety (such as heart palpitations or increased heart rate) will only make symptoms worse."

During the TikTok video, which has received more than 101,000 views and 12,000 likes, Ohlson said quitting caffeine "cured" her. She added that she was mentally in a better place and that her skin had "never been this clear and this glowy."

She told Newsweek: "I am a beverage girl. I love waking up and drinking a coffee or juice. The hardest part of giving up caffeine was losing the ritual of it."

According to the CDC, three to five cups of plain coffee is OK as part of a healthy diet. Ohlson said she replaced coffee with water that contained electrolytes—though she hasn't ruled out the odd latte as a "treat."

She said: "I also remind myself that everything in moderation is important. I still love coffee, so I opt for decaf when I am craving one. However, I have treated myself to two lattes since March.

"Overall, my mental health has been better, and I no longer struggle with horrible anxiety. Of course, I have my day, but when I am anxious, I feel like I have more control and can deal with it a lot easier."

In the video's comments section, TikTok users shared their experiences quitting caffeine or moderating their intake.

"I stopped drinking caffeine on an empty stomach (I knew it was bad for me) and omg my anxiety lessened SO MUCH," one user wrote.

"Ughhh I'm moody without caffeine I want to but I can't," another added.

A commenter said: "I did the same thing!!! Caffeine was making me so anxious [and] cutting it pretty much cured me."

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