Do the beginning of your weeks often give you a depressing case of the Mondays where you are stuck in The Office scene on repeat? It seems as though it does not matter whether you own your own business or work in a large corporation, Monday mornings just seem a lot different than any other day of the week (or weekend morning). There are a few rituals you can do to help you get your week started right. We have discussed some of those routines here and here, but today we are going to chat a bit more about tea.
The British and the Chinese love tea. A lot of American’s love tea too but there still seems to be a much higher love in other countries but our own. What gives, since the soothing power of a regular cup of tea has been huge backing from science with research that shows it can reduce the harmful effects of stress? Stress is one thing that we can’t seem to shake when it comes to Sunday evening thinking about the work week ahead. Additionally, many people believe that drinking tea helps them relax after facing the stresses of everyday life.
Since most of us can’t jet set off to Hawaii, live life on the beach every day or being one with nature on the top of a mountaintop, how about relaxing with some tea every now and then? Like most things in life, all tea isn’t created equal. Next time you reach for some tea, check to see if any of these ingredients are listed in your cup.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is promoted as a stress-relieving compound that binds to GABA receptors and induces changes in brain waves indicative of relaxation.
Chamomile
A flowering plant similar to the daisy that can be infused with hot water to produce a relaxing, calming tea.
Valerian Root
Ayurvedic, Chinese, and classical Hellenic medical systems employed valerian as an anti-insomnia and anti-anxiety medicine.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea acts as a powerful adaptogen, a compound which improves your ability to adapt to physiological stressors without compromising your body’s normal ability to function once removed.
Magnolia Bark
It gets billed as a sedative with strong anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects.
So why not sip on some tea while reading an inspirational quote or an article from UpWorthy or a TED Talk video while you are careful not to burn your tongue. This type of habit could give you the boost you need to get over the Sunday scaries.
