Dear Annie: Just recently, I started drinking coffee most mornings. I’d say that over the past four months, I’ve had coffee an average of four days a week. In the past month or so, I’ve noticed that I get headaches when I skip coffee for a day. I’m guessing these headaches are a result of my body’s missing the caffeine it’s used to getting. (This is really unfortunate, because I love the taste of coffee. But I guess I could always drink decaf.) Since I noticed these headaches, I’ve started weaning myself off of coffee, but I need something else to get me alert (and keep me that way) throughout the workday. What healthy substitute(s) could I turn to as I work to kick my coffee habit? — Clinging to Caffeine

Dear Clinging to Caffeine: The absolute best thing you could drink when you wake up for an energized morning is a big glass of water. And then another. Water will flush out toxins, kickstart your metabolism and, of course, rehydrate you. Dehydration causes fatigue. (And incidentally, coffee causes dehydration — so in the long run, drinking too much coffee will slow you down more than speed you up.) If you’re craving something other than water — something with a more distinctive taste — try naturally caffeine-free herbal teas, such as ginger tea.

So the good news is you’re over the hump. Symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine dependency typically are at their worst in the first two days after stopping consumption and will fade within nine days.

Editor’s note: “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.