Why it is worth questioning "usual" habits, such as festive drinking or the daily caffeine "kick"
In modern life, some behavior patterns are so closely intertwined with daily routines and social rituals that we pass them almost without any doubt. We raise a glass of champagne when celebrating a promotion at work. We drink several cups of coffee to "overcome" morning or afternoon fatigue. These habits are not only common – they are almost expected. However, when something is so normal in everyday life, integrated into the fabric of our culture, it is easy to forget that it is worth considering whether this "normality" has hidden costs – physical, psychological, or even social? And what if, by modestly daring to question such practices, we could open the way to a more conscious and meaningful life?
In this article, we examine why seemingly "harmless" customs – from festive drinking to regular caffeine doses – are worth rethinking. We will also discuss personal experiences: what happens when we try to share these insights with others, and why resistance is often encountered. Because, as it turns out, challenging the status quo (even with the best intentions) is not so simple.
The power of "normality"
Before delving into the habits themselves, it is important to understand how an action becomes "normal" at all. If a certain behavior becomes widespread enough – in the family, community, or society as a whole – it begins to seem natural, even inevitable.
- Social reinforcement: we see others doing it – friends raising wine glasses at parties, colleagues sipping espresso in the morning at work – and it becomes a shared experience.
- Cultural traditions: over time, certain habits acquire symbolic meaning. For example, a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve becomes the "proper" way to welcome the future.
- Personal routine: Habits become a safety zone. If we grew up seeing parents drinking coffee every morning, it is likely that we will willingly adopt the same ritual.
Often these normalized habits bring pleasure and a sense of community. They provide opportunities to socialize, celebrate important events, or experience a burst of energy when motivation is lacking. Few would argue that a morning cup of coffee gives some people coziness, while a glass of wine relaxes others after a hard workweek. But precisely because these habits are so convenient and universally accepted, we rarely pause to reflect on their broader consequences.
II. Rethinking festive drinking
1. Beyond the cheerful exterior
When we think about festive drinking, we remember popping champagne, joyful laughter, and sincere toasts. And indeed, such moments can be magical. However, behind every warm experience of friends sharing a bottle of wine may lie hangovers, resentment, or long-term negative health effects.
- Continuous health impact: Occasionally drinking may not be tragic, but when "celebrations" become frequent – from birthdays, weddings to "just want to celebrate" – alcohol begins to affect the liver, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
- Financial drain: One festive night can be expensive, especially if we choose luxury alcohol or cocktails. Over a year, such "just a few drinks" can significantly impact the budget.
- Social pressure: Some feel obliged to drink so as not to be considered "losers" or "boring." This can cause anxiety or even irritation, contrary to what the festive sense of community should do.
2. When curiosity stirs conversation
Sometimes someone asks a simple question: "Hey, do we really have to celebrate everything with champagne?" The reaction can be unexpected. Friends may wave it off as overthinking or even get angry: "Come on, we're just having fun! It's tradition!"
Such a defensive attitude often arises from fear of losing what provides comfort or joy. Many fear that if we question one part of the ritual, we will undermine the whole tradition – or feel judged or isolated ourselves. However, curiosity does not necessarily have to "kill the party"; it can enrich it by encouraging new ways of celebrating, e.g., alcohol alternatives or other activities that still reflect the joy of the occasion.
III. The question of daily caffeine doses
1. The universal coffee cult
In many societies, nothing seems as natural as a morning cup of coffee. It is like a global symbol of productivity. Wake up early? Coffee. Overworked in the afternoon? Coffee again. Meeting a friend for a chat? At a café. This drink has crossed cultural boundaries, becoming a global daily highlight.
- Energy fluctuations: Although caffeine quickly provides alertness, a "crash" or withdrawal headaches may soon follow. Excessive reliance often disrupts the natural circadian rhythm and can promote anxiety.
- Social expectations: Similar to festive drinking, coffee connects people – work coffee breaks or café dates. Often you feel you are not "part of the team" if you don't drink together.
- Financial burden: Daily spending on coffee (especially specialty cafés) eventually becomes significant – comparable to "hidden" alcohol expenses.
2. Personal notes and resistance
Imagine noticing a colleague feeling anxious or having headaches after missing their morning triple latte. You gently suggest reducing caffeine intake or choosing herbal teas. Instead of gratitude, the colleague may retort: "I need coffee to function!" or "Don't take away my only joy!"
Such a response is not just about coffee. It is about comfort, routine, and identity. When a habit is deeply tied to a person's self, even slight criticism can seem like a personal attack. People interpret "it would be good to drink less coffee" as a reproach or a statement "you are doing something wrong," and then react defensively rather than openly.
IV. Personal stories: offering help, encountering resistance
Some real illustrations:
- Birthday toasts: Sara, wanting to drink alcohol moderately, brought a non-alcoholic sparkling drink to a friend's birthday. Most guests drank champagne; she happily sipped her alternative. The party host, somewhat offended, insisted that Sara must try the "real" champagne because it is supposedly "the best." When Sara politely declined, citing health reasons, she was called boring. The evening atmosphere became tense not because Sara criticized anything, but because her simple refusal questioned the group's habit.
- Coffee break conflict: Mark noticed that his colleague Julia constantly complained about insomnia and anxiety. Julia drank four cups of coffee daily, starting at 7 a.m. and continuing until late afternoon. Wanting to help, Mark shared research that reducing caffeine might improve sleep quality. Julia, instead of gratitude, replied: "You don't understand my life – coffee is the only way I can keep up!" Mark's goodwill unintentionally triggers defensiveness, as if he were judging Julia's lifestyle rather than sincerely advising.
These stories show the social tension that arises when we dare to question well-established habits. Even friendly advice can cause discomfort or hostility if it challenges the "established order." Still, they reveal potential. Over time, friends may accept the possibility of choosing alternatives at parties; Julia may eventually associate her anxiety with excessive coffee and start reducing it. This often requires patience, empathy, and open conversations.
V. Why curiosity matters
- Healthier choices: By asking ourselves about habits, we can assess whether they really benefit us or if we are just following an unquestioned pattern. Do I drink because I truly enjoy it, or because everyone around me does? Is the daily cup of coffee necessary for taste pleasure, or because I always feel exhausted?
- Greater self-control: Curiosity is the first step toward personal freedom. When we realize we can control habits instead of succumbing to them, we begin to shape our own lives. It is not necessary to forbid celebrating or giving up caffeine – it is more important that our choices align with our values and needs.
- Deeper connection with others: Paradoxically, questioning social habits (festive drinking or coffee rituals) can allow discovering more sincere communication. Seeking alternatives, we may find other ways of friendship (e.g., cooking together or engaging in creative activities), expanding the concept of how to truly enjoy and celebrate.
- Personal and societal growth: By questioning assumptions about daily caffeine doses or "mandatory" festive drinking, we also challenge systems (marketing, corporate interests, cultural traditions) that support these norms. This may not always lead to major revolutions but can encourage gradual change in social consciousness. The more people ask "why?", the more chances there are for healthier practices to form in society.
VI. Conclusion: keeping the conversation alive
Our daily habits – from raising champagne to drinking coffee – allow us to feel comfortable, communal. They can provide pleasure, unite people, and bring genuine joy. But they can also "put us to sleep," blocking the view of potential harm – until curiosity shines and we ask "Why?"
This impulse of curiosity is powerful because it invites not only reflection but also dialogue. It encourages considering whether we truly want this form of celebration or are doing what others expect. It calls for evaluating whether coffee is just a crutch or if we really enjoy its taste, understanding the long-term impact on sleep or anxiety. The best part is that such curiosity shows that we still can celebrate and still can find energy differently – perhaps healthier, more varied ways that better reflect our true "self."
Sharing these new insights with friends or family, we may face resistance or even defensiveness. But overcoming this initial discomfort can provide deeper understanding both of our habits and of strong social forces. The most important thing is to talk (and reflect on ourselves) with empathy and patience, because "usual" behaviors usually do not change overnight.
Ultimately, simple questioning – maintaining curiosity – can be the most important step toward a more purposeful, conscious, and meaningful life. After all, if a habit does not "survive" a little criticism, maybe it is exactly the one most worth revisiting.