My Three-Beverage Habit Finally Makes Sense

I think I just realized something about myself that made me stop for a second and think, “What are you doing?” Then it hit me. Having three open beverages at any given time has replaced “Live, Laugh, Love” for a lot of people. The new motto might just be “Caffeinate, Alleviate, and Hydrate.”

This little habit came into focus today while I was sitting at my desk. I looked around and spotted my trio of drinks like little comfort buddies.

THE THREE

There was my giant water bottle, a half-finished pop, and a cup of coffee that had cooled off long before I was ready to give up on it. When did this start? I couldn’t tell you, but I honestly cannot remember the last time I didn’t have at least two drinks within arm’s reach.

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HYDRATE

My mornings always start with water. I carry around a big, forty-ounce bottle filled with ice cubes and a splash of MIO sweet tea flavoring. I usually finish one or two of those a day, which makes me feel like I’m doing something healthy for once.

 ALLEVIATE

Then there’s the bubbly beverage. Usually, a Coke or something equally fizzy lives in my purse. I only take a few sips at a time, usually when I’m eating. There’s just something about taking a bite of chicken or a sandwich and following it up with a little sparkle of carbonation. It just feels complete. That same bottle usually lasts me all week, and yes, I end up tossing it before it’s gone, but it serves its purpose.

CAFFEINATE

And finally, there’s coffee or tea. My little comfort cup. I sip it while I work, when I need a pick-me-up, or just to make life feel a little cozier. It’s not about needing caffeine all the time; it’s more about how comforting it feels to hold it.

When I looked into it, I found out I’m not the only one doing this. Apparently, it’s a pretty common thing. Some people say it’s especially true for women, others say people on the autism spectrum often do this because each drink brings a different kind of comfort. Warmth, hydration, and a little energy boost.

SELF-CARE?

Maybe it’s not just a quirk. Maybe it’s a simple kind of self-care. A way to stay calm, stay hydrated, and keep life feeling balanced.

So now I’m wondering. What are your favorite three to sip on at the same time?