I can't handle my drug of choice the way I used to anymore. I used to think it gave me energy and made me fun. Now, even a little too much makes my mind race and my palms sweat.

Caffeine, I thought we had an understanding.

Even for those of us who don't make resolutions, the start of a new year feels like a sensible time to assess where we want to make positive changes in our lives. This year, I find that I have plenty of company in no longer identifying as a "but first, coffee" person.

A 2021 Ipsos poll found that Americans are drinking less coffee than before the pandemic, especially with regard to the amount of cups per day they consume. The poll also found a steep generational divide, with Boomers most likely to drink coffee more than once a week and Gen Z the least likely. Similarly, consumer sales of packaged coffee have been declining since 2019. It's no wonder that "Today" declared going decaf "the new sober" earlier this month.

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While part of it is the steadily rising cost of coffee, a lot of it has to do with shifting tastes and values. Last year, market research company Mintel reported that "39% of coffee drinkers want to reduce their caffeine consumption." The word "reduce" is key here: I'm as likely to go completely caffeine free as I am to become a teetotaler or a vegan, but I likewise recognize that I feel a whole lot better when I indulge a whole lot less.

For starters, there's the headache factor. Feeling like I have a short window of time in the morning to drink coffee before an epic, throbbing headache kicks in is just ridiculous — especially when I'm traveling and trying to adjust to different time zones.

"Caffeine is a huge issue for people with migraines," Jon Katz, founder of the........

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