My Happy Me.com

By: Liliya Vafina

“Thank God for tea! What would the world be without tea? How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea” said Sydney Smith almost 200 years ago. I sure am glad I wasn’t born before tea as well!  Boy, isn’t it great to have it around? This guilt free treat available in so many types and varieties there is a fit for the most discerning tastes and the most unexpected moods!  Black, green, white, oolong… each with hundreds of different varieties from hundreds of different origins… and then there is herbal tea and almost as many different kinds of it as there are herbs and plants on Earth… each with numerous health benefits. Not only tea is full of health enhancing and protective properties (doesn’t matter which one you pick), taking a few minutes out of your day to prepare and enjoy a cup of tea is a wonderful way to fight stress and gain perspective.

Relaxation is an important part of overall wellbeing. If we are stressed and overwhelmed, we can’t focus on what’s really important, we tend to lose sight of the bigger picture; we overreact and our thoughts become negative. Relaxing and taking a little bit of time every day can help. If that’s not enough to convince you, a famous psychologist Richard Carlson, who has been working in the stress management field for decades, claims that he didn’t meet a single person whom he “would consider to be inwardly peaceful who doesn’t carve out at least a little quiet time, virtually every day”.  People may have different rituals that help them to relax, including meditation, yoga, a 10 minute walk in the park, or a bubble bath. Drinking tea is my daily ritual of choice. Ahh, five quiet minutes in the middle of a busy afternoon to brew a cup of tea…  Taking a few moments to sense its warmth, breathe in its aroma and really pay attention to the flavor notes do wonders to sooth, calm and recharge… enabling to go back and finish what needs to be finished with a refreshed perspective. Try it! And here are a few bonus ideas that will help to include some variety into your tea adventure.  

Black tea is rich in antioxidants. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect from cancer and heart disease. Also has been shown to help increase rates of body fat burning.

Licorice tea has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic properties. Good for coughs and chest infections.  

Peppermint tea is great as digestive help and a great relaxant. Leave this one for after work though as it can make you sleepy.

Ginger tea helps upset stomachs; has detoxifying properties as well as helps open pores and sweat out toxins. Perfect before hot yoga!

Ginseng tea boosts resistance to stress, improves circulation, and enhances energy and mental functioning.

Ginkgo tea improves memory.

Chamomile tea calms anxiety and irritability. Also is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving.  

Rooibos tea is rich in vitamin C and minerals. It is great for re-hydration and can help you sleep better.