#350 Habits of Calmness
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In this reflective episode, host Cory Allen explores the habits that cultivate calmness, beginning with a personal experiment of quitting coffee cold turkey after gradually reducing intake. He shares how eliminating caffeine revealed a more stable energy level, reduced reactivity, and enhanced mental clarity—attributing these benefits to the body's natural ability to regulate adrenaline and cortisol without artificial stimulation. Allen reframes calm not as a fleeting mood but as a physiological state rooted in the parasympathetic nervous system, emphasizing that it's not something we wait for, but something we can actively cultivate through intentional lifestyle choices. He encourages listeners to question habitual dependencies—whether coffee, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms—and to explore what life feels like without them, using curiosity rather than judgment as a guide.
Calm is a physiological state (parasympathetic nervous system), not a mood to be passively waited for.
Caffeine artificially induces a state of survival mode, increasing reactivity and shortening energy reserves.
Reducing or eliminating habitual substances can reveal deeper, more sustainable energy and mental clarity.
Curiosity about your habits—what you rely on and why—can unlock new modes of being.
Experimenting with abstinence from daily habits (coffee, alcohol, sugar) is a powerful tool for self-discovery.
The Shift Into Authentic Presence
Cory Allen begins the episode by reflecting on the subtle shift from autopilot to authentic, intentional speech, setting the tone for a deeper exploration of inner states and self-awareness.
The Coffee Experiment: From Curiosity to Clarity
“I noticed that later in the day, I was feeling a lot more calm and I felt fine. And then the day after I noticed that I actually had more energy that was steadier throughout the day.”
Caffeine as a Manufactured Survival Mode
“Caffeine is a real slippery little beast because it kind of puts you in a short window of manufactured survival mode.”
Calm as a Nervous System State, Not a Mood
“Calm isn't a mood. Calm is a nervous system state.”
“Calm isn't a mood. Calm is a nervous system state.”
“Caffeine is a real slippery little beast because it kind of puts you in a short window of manufactured survival mode.”
“I noticed that later in the day, I was feeling a lot more calm and I felt fine.”
Host
Coffee
other
Cory Allen
person
Caffeine
other
Parasympathetic Nervous System
other
Alcohol
other
Adrenaline
other
Best Friend
person
Cortisol
other
Sympathetic Nervous System
other
IPAs
other
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