Stress and anxiety are something many of us have experienced in our daily life. Even more so than ever, with the fast-paced environment we live in, it can be hard to find the time to check in with yourself. Speaking from my own experience, sometimes taking a short time out can do the world of good to ground and recentre yourself again. We all have our different methods of calm that work individually for us. For me, it is to walk outside in nature, or to sit by the beach listening to the serenity of the waves lapping against the shore. I have also begun to use tea more often too, which has proven to be a real asset in combating my stress and anxiety. If you have not thought about introducing tea into your routine, then I highly recommend you give it a try. In my next entry I will talk about the types of teas that I find work best to combat stress and anxiety, yet for the time being I will share with you some tea rituals you can include in your routine to give yourself some much-needed restoration.
Take 5-Minutes Every Morning to Sit with Yourself
I know mornings for most of us are spent rushing around, either with children, or getting ourselves ready for the day, so it can be hard to find the time for a little bit of solitude. But if you can muster up the courage (I know sleep is precious) to set your alarm a little earlier, and give yourself some time to nip to the kitchen to make yourself a cup of tea, and back to a relaxing spot of your choice, then I highly suggest you do so. Try closing your eyes and focus on your breathing to clear your head, and surrender to enjoy the warm liquid of tea nourishing your body. Drinking tea in the morning has many benefits such as naturally lowering stress, improving mood, boosting metabolism and brain function, and giving you energy to kickstart your day. Spending at least five minutes sitting with yourself before you embark on your day, can really help to put things into perspective, and put your anxiety and stress at bay. Sometimes all we need is a little reset, and the things we were stressing about, do not seem so unmanageable.
Set the Mood with Calming Music, and Pen and Paper
If finding the time in the morning is completely out of the question, you can always schedule some time later in the day for some essential R & R. I do this alongside my morning routine as I feel I am the type of person who lets things build up during the day, so letting them go in the evening helps me to relax and have a better sleep. I recommend buying some scented candles if you do not already have. Pick a scent that helps you to feel calm, and play some peaceful music in the background (if peaceful to you is something heavier, then crank that volume!) It is all about finding what calm works for you. I like heavy music when I am sweating it out, but when I am in my zone, I prefer the softer melodies which act in harmony with my tea. This whole process is to relax the body, whether you are sitting or lying down, find a spot where you are most comfortable.
Whilst I sip slowly on my tea, I like to journal my thoughts. This may not be for everyone, but please give it a try if you feel this could benefit you. You do not need to be competent in writing to journal. It is merely a space where you can write your thoughts in a judgement free zone. The act of journaling enables you to be aware of your stress and anxieties. Sometimes seeing our worries written down can help us to process strategies as a means to overcome them. Writing in a relaxed state enables oneself to reflect with a sense of clarity and positivity. Drinking tea lowers the stress hormone cortisol which provides the perfect time to put pen to paper. The act of journaling also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and promotes faster healing.
Sharing Tea with Someone
When we are feeling stressed and anxious, it can also be nice to indulge in company. Whether you are out at a café, or at home, spending time conversating over tea can be highly beneficial for your mental wellbeing. When we engage in conversation with good company, our serotonin levels rise, resulting in a much happier and calmer state of mind. This is why creating a social ritual with tea is imperative, and needs to find a permanent spot in your daily week. Sharing a moment of drinking tea with someone special, helps us to feel relaxed not only by the tea, but by the positive environment we are in. Appreciating and being in the moment of an uplifting interaction, sends positive signals to our brain that can help to motivate, and better prepare us to take on our worries. Even when we cannot pinpoint the cause of our anxiety, surrounding ourselves with a peaceful environment can make us feel immensely better.
At the End of the Day…
All we want is to clear our mind of the clutter and negativity, and make room for those happier thoughts (that may or may not include sunbaking by the beach). Succumbing to taking a short break and indulging yourself in a cup of tea really does do wonders for your mind. I know we are all busy, and fitting in a ritual amongst our already packed schedule may seem a bit overwhelming, but it does not need to. You can begin by dedicating a small amount of time per week and build from there. It is all about prioritising yourself and finding outlets that are enjoyable. This practice is not a cure for stress and anxiety, yet with regular practice it can certainly help to regulate and immerse yourself into your own world of serenity.
