There’s always time for tea, right?
I know I’ve mentioned this a few times but have never I really delved into my love (addiction, obsession) with tea, and so as the next in my Healthy Reboot series I wanted to share a little with you about how I integrate tea into my day, and how it makes me feel not only better physically but also mentally too!
From day one, tea has had a soothing effect on me – clearly my Sri Lankan Father and English/Irish mother came together to create the perfect, tea loving storm. These days it’s not just a drink but a ritual, and I have to say, without sounding like a Dilmah ad, it makes me feel really great. And it’s simple! I love that ‘wellness’ doesn’t need to be an expensive trip to a spa but more about taking a moment to check in with how you’re feeling and make yourself a cup of something steaming and hot. It costs practically nothing, other than time that, let’s face it, you should give yourself.
We put together the image below to share with you how I use tea in my daily life, both in my daily routines and also as soothing remedies. I’m not a doctor and I can only say anecdotally that they make me personally feel better, but even if you’re dubious of the potential health benefits of certain teas, there’s just something about taking a moment out of your day to a cup – getting up from your computer or taking a moment in the morning on your bed or the sofa. It’s like tea is a mini form of meditation… Leave your phone out of the process and you’re totally kicking goals in the brain department.
Tea on the daily
You can see from the diagram that tea breaks are milestones throughout my day, helping me to not only feel better but to have a mental and stretch break. I start my day with turmeric tea or some sort of black tea – chai if I have time but otherwise English Breakfast with milk. This first tea I really try to take the time to enjoy, without distractions or work. Then I have green tea around mid morning (roasted rice aka ‘Genmaicha’ is my current fave) and another black tea if I feel tired after lunch. Before bed I have a soothing camomile which tops off a day of tea! From my cupboard that is overloaded with teas I will often experiment with adding in others, but these daily ones are my always and if I miss them because I can usually tell form my mood!
Soothing Teas
Other than daily, I’m really into teas when I’m feeling less than 100%… I love ginger tea and drink it whenever I feel a bit off in the tummy, and also find lemon and honey helps to soothe a sore throat. Chai is my favourite when I’m feeling a cold come on, and peppermint helps me to digest after a big meal. I know there are lots of other soothing teas but these are just the ones I use personally!
Recipes
Most of the teas that I’ve listed you will be able to buy, but a few of them you need to make. These are my personal recipes!
Chai Tea
Ingredients A few cardamom seeds, 3 cloves, 4 peppercorns, 1 cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, 2 cups of milk, 2 cups of water, 2 bags of black tea, honey.
How to Put all the ingredients except the milk and honey into the pan. Bring to the boil. Add the milk and boil for a few more minutes. Put the honey in your cups and strain the mixture in. Stir and enjoy.
Ginger Tea
Ingredients Handful of fresh ginger, 4 cups of water, honey.
How to Peel and cut your ginger into slices. Put the water and ginger in a saucepan. Boil for a few minutes. Put the honey in your cups and pour the mixture in. Stir and enjoy. Ps if it’s too strong add some extra hot water.
Lemon & Honey Tea
Ingredients Half a lemon, water, honey.
How to Cut your lemon into slices and add to a cup. Boil the water in a kettle and pour into the cup. Add honey to taste and enjoy!
Turmeric Tea
Ingredients A teaspoon of Tumeric, 4 cups of water, honey.
How to Bring the water to a boil. Add the ground turmeric and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup; add honey and/or lemon to taste. Ps is also like to add half a cup of coconut milk if I want it to be creamier.
I’d love to hear if you have any teas that you’re into and if you feel that tea can be therapy! Or do you have another daily therapy you rely on? 🙂
Illustration by Natalie Ong.
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