Coffee isn’t just a basic necessity, it’s a lifestyle. If you asked me how I maintained decent grades while being active on campus, I would credit two things: prayer and coffee. Being a creative I not only count on coffee to help me meet deadlines, but local coffee shops are a great place to get inspiration.

I have never gone more than a few days without coffee. I wanted to prove to myself and my friends that I can survive and fully function without my coffee crutch.

My goal was to give up coffee for the month of January, but I missed the mark by 10 days. Although I didn’t complete my challenge, I was able to show that I didn’t need coffee to get through my day to day activities.

Here is my experience explained by Bob’s Burgers.

1. When you first decide to give up coffee:

2. Passing by Starbucks on the way to work:

3. When a coworker brews a fresh batch of coffee and you smell it at your desk:

4. When the caffeine headache hits:

5. The pep talk you give yourself during hour 3 of a caffeine headache:

6. Making it a day without coffee:

7. When someone ask to meet up for coffee and they know you aren’t drinking coffee this month:

8. Dealing with morning traffic:

9. Seeing a freshly brewed pot of coffee in the kitchen. #willpower

10. When your workload piles up and you could really use a Venti Iced Coffee with an Espresso Shot:

11. Your brain adjusting to the lack of caffeine:

12. When you just can’t function:

13. Having coffee for the first time after giving it up for a while:

14. The rush you get when the caffeine kicks in:

This was an eye opening experience. Although I didn't complete my challenge, it proved to me that I don't need coffee to function. If I were to do this challenge again, it would focus more on limiting my intake and finding alternatives for when I need energy.