Parents…we all need a little morning energy boost, midday pick-me-up, or evening relaxer every now and then. There are many quick solutions to reach for, but not all are as beneficial to our overall health and wellness. My one suggestion that’ll fix a variety of issues? Tea!
There are fewer things more relaxing than sipping on a good cup of tea. For me, that almost always comes with a splash of vegan creamer (tilk anyone?). But whatever your favorite tea may be, at whatever time of day, the possibilities are practically endless.
While you may enjoy tea for its diverse flavors, there are actually numerous, potent health benefits that come with drinking tea regularly. Tea is one of my daily routines because it helps build synergy, allowing me to accomplish at least five different things at once. This simple act has tremendous benefits for physical health, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Tea can boost the immune system, help fight viruses, decrease stress and anxiety, and boost mental focus, which we can all benefit from right now.
My Top 5 Mind-Body Benefits of Drinking Tea:
Benefit #1: Fights Viruses & Boosts Immunity
Black and green tea are known to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help your immune system combat viruses like the common cold. Anything extra we can do to support the immune system right now and fight off viruses is a win-win, for everyone.
Benefit #2: Powerful Antioxidants Fight DNA Damage & Reduce Signs of Aging
Want to maintain that youthful radiant glow and stay healthy at the same time? A cup of tea a day, particularly green tea or match, may be just the thing. Tea, and green tea in particular, is loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight DNA damage and oxidative stress on the body, keeping you looking and feeling young. Those antioxidants can also help prevent heart disease and even cancer.
Benefit #3: Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Black and green tea contain L-theanine, a compound that helps fight stress and anxiety naturally. It can also promote a sense of calmness, while helping you focus on whatever task is at hand, making tea a great morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Theanine can minimize the jitteriness of caffeine, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, go for a tea that has less, like green, white, or oolong.
Benefits #4: Drinkable Medicinal Spices
People have been making “tea” with herbs and spices for centuries. While these are technically tisanes if tea leaves are not used, I won’t hold that misnomer against anyone because the potent health and wellness benefits are profound. A common Ayurvedic staple is cumin coriander fennel tea, which contains a host of health benefits including stimulating digestion, which is the root of all health according to Ayurveda. Lavender and chamomile teas can help promote sleep and relaxation. Mint and licorice tea can lower libido, while green tea may enhance it. You can make tea to have practically any health or wellness benefit you want.
Benefit #5: A Great Social or Self-Care Routine
Whether used as a daily self-care routine or a way to spend time with friends and family, tea has you covered. It’s one of those things that can be enjoyed just as much alone as in a social setting. It makes a great self-care routine because it’s both mentally stimulating and physically relaxing. Any consistent act of self-care will improve overall mind-body wellness, but with all of the additional benefits tea has to offer, it packs an extra powerful punch when added to your daily routine.
