“A small indulgence” is a phrase that has never truly resonated with me,especially regarding my coffee habits. My determination to limit myself to just two cups a day frequently enough falters, leading me to consume four, five mugs, or even more. I find it easier to quit entirely; a complete detox gives me the fleeting thrill of self-control and the illusion of having conquered my caffeine dependency—until I inevitably fall back into old patterns.

Nonetheless, some pleasures are worth preserving as they enrich our lives—coffee being one of them for me. Its unique ability to uplift my spirits is unmatched; it energizes while providing comfort concurrently. During an extended two-month break from coffee—the longest I’ve ever gone without—I aimed to tackle severe insomnia but instead felt as if I had wandered into an uninviting wilderness. life became stark and joyless, and my sleep troubles persisted. This experience yielded no positive outcomes.

Three months ago, rather than embarking on another unsuccessful quitting attempt altogether, I decided to savor one cup each day. This choice emerged out of necessity during a retreat where we were permitted only one serving of freshly brewed coffee daily at our discretion. The process evolved into a ritual as I thoughtfully selected when and where I’d enjoy mine while relishing every sip in hopes of extending its effects.

Amazingly enough, upon returning home, I continued this single-cup routine.

This change feels both minor yet notable at once. Even during stressful times, I’ve managed not to slip back into overindulgence; instead of mindlessly gulping down coffee while working or scrolling through social media feeds, I’ve transformed this habit into an enjoyable experience—a practice some might refer to as mindful coffee drinking.A few times each week,I visit a charming café named Lilac on my north London street that sells freshly ground coffee by the kilo. I’ve discovered that higher-quality beans require less quantity for satisfaction.