Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Something went wrong, please try again later. I am a creature of habit, steadfast in my daily routines. One such routine is my 10am ritual of savouring a refreshing Coke Zero, ideally served in a glass with ice. If I'm out and about, I can make do with a can, though it's not my preference, and God forbid it should be warm. Diet Coke is off the table, and only a full-fat Coca-Cola will suffice after a heavy night out. There are minor variations to this routine, but for the past four years, I've stuck to this self-imposed rule without fail. Reflecting on the last time I went a day without my cherished Coke Zero, and realising I couldn't remember such a day, I felt a twinge of guilt and decided it was time for a change. This week, I resolved to break away from my habit by going cold turkey. On day zero, the eve of my lifestyle change, I found myself in the supermarket, reaching for a bottle of Coke, and made it all the way to the checkout before it dawned on me that I was supposed to be quitting, reports Surrey Live. (Image: Vita Molyneux) It reminded me of the mindless shopping habits I'd developed during the first week of Dry January, where I'd instinctively reach for a cider without giving it a second thought. Feeling uneasy, my determination strengthened. I could do this. Day one without Coke Zero. The first day rolled around, and 10am came and went. I was practically bouncing off the walls. I had braced myself for headaches, but thankfully they didn't materialise. What did hit me, however, was an intense craving that seemed to permeate every fibre of my being. I found myself longing for a Coke Zero with an intensity I hadn't expected. Settling for a Ribena, I was filled with dread at the thought of four more days without my favourite fizzy drink. What happened when I stopped drinking Coke. Surprisingly, giving up Coke did have an effect on my sleep. I had expected to sleep better with less caffeine in my system, but the opposite turned out to be true. Throughout the week, my sleep was terrible. It took me longer to unwind, getting comfortable was harder, and I woke up more often during the night. Whether this was due to the lack of Coke Zero or not, I can't say - but it was certainly a strange coincidence that I'm not keen to repeat. Thankfully, poor sleep was the only physical symptom I noticed. Despite hearing horror stories about withdrawal symptoms after cutting out Coke, I was perfectly fine. I think my morning coffee helped stave off any headaches or mood swings. The only significant change was that I had removed a source of happiness from my life. While I recognise it's not the healthiest habit, after a week without it, I have no intention of continuing to abstain. Once this article is published, I plan to return to my Coke Zero drinking habits because, frankly, life is hard enough. Why make it harder?