The Ritual of Tea
10 Benefits of a Daily Tea Ritual
Tea is known to be one of the most popular and loved beverages in the world! From an early morning cup to wake you up, to an afternoon wind down to help you relax - not forgetting the faithful cup that creates the path to a peaceful sleep.
Drinking tea daily is both a sacred and traditional ritual across the entire world, mainly because of the healing and rejuvenating properties tea encompasses. But here’s where a fantastic twist introduces new ways of reaping the benefits of tea by drinking it and by incorporating it in other ways!
# Benefit 1: Tea boosts your energy and focus
We all have those days when we hit a midday slump and all you need is a power nap, right?
Tea holds a unique amino acid called L-Theanine which helps to regulate dopamine (a hormone that helps us with productivity) and serotonin (a hormone that helps enhance feelings of well-being).
The synergy of dopamine and serotonin creates a well balanced energy boost - without the jitters of excessive caffeine and the sugar crash from energy drinks!
# Benefit 2: Tea is a delicious way to keep your hydration levels up
Summer is one of our most loved seasons, however along with the heat comes thirst and dehydration!
Hydration is one of the most important aspects leading to optimal health, and staying hydrated is the simplest way to ensure you feel better on a regular basis. Our bodies are 60% water, but drinking plain water can be quite a challenge for some people - so sip on your favourite brew all day instead.
The average intake of tea should be around 3-6 cups per day to help maintain excellent hydration while reaping all the health benefits of tea.
# Benefit 3: Brewing tea is an opportunity to practice mindfulness
The process of making perfectly brewed tea is an art that comes with practice. Use each opportunity to perfect your brew, refocus your energy and embrace your awareness - you may even find that your tea tastes better.
The aromatherapy of inhaling the freshly made brew, along with the amino acid L-Theanine helps to create a peaceful and relaxed mind.
From the brewing process to the actual drinking of your tea - use those moments of your day to unwind and center your energy, any duration of mindfulness is still mindfulness.
# Benefit 4: Tea is loaded with phytonutrients and vitamins
Tea is one of the most nutrient enriched beverages:
- Catechins and tannins – these are a form of polyphenols/flavonoids which are micronutrients found within the tea, enriched with cancer-fighting antioxidants (catechins are also known to eliminate bad breath and promote healthy mouth hygiene)
- Vitamin B2 – promotes cellular growth and regeneration, as well as improved energy levels
- Vitamin C – an immune system booster that is also known to treat skin problems
- Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant used to fight infections and promote healthy eyesight
- Folic Acid – promotes regeneration of red blood cells and overall health
# Benefit 5: Drinking tea daily can help you burn fat
It’s a new year, and with that comes the resolution of exercising more, eating healthy, and losing weight.
Drinking tea daily has shown to boost metabolism and energy levels - this is extremely important as your metabolism will help you burn excess fat, and increased energy will allow you to exercise sufficiently to meet your weight loss goals.
The catechins in tea are known to help burn fat as fuel aiding muscle endurance.
Remember drinking tea alone is not enough to help you lose weight - diet, exercise, and sleep are equally important.
# Benefit 6: Take a relaxing bath - with tea
And we don’t just mean take a bath and drink tea, we mean add a few tea bags or loose tea leaves to your bath water and have a well deserved and relaxing soak!
The antioxidants and nutrients can be absorbed through your skin, and will leave your skin feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth. The aromatherapy of inhaling the tea as you enjoy your bath, will help ease your mind, and enhance feelings of well-being.
# Benefit 7: Inhale/Steam with tea
Create your very own at-home facial steam treatment!
Into a bowl of hot and steaming water, place your tea bags or loose tea leaves and steam for 5-10 minutes.
The steam will open your pores and allow antioxidants in the tea to clean, tone, and hydrate your skin - it’s a DIY facial like no other!
# Benefit 8: Treat your hair with tea
Create your own hair treatment every time you wash your hair!
Soak your tea bags or loose tea leaves in water, and once the tea has cooled down, pour the tea onto your hair and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash the tea out and watch shine return to your hair!
# Benefit 9: Use your tea to reduce dark circles and puffiness around your eyes
Look fresh and awake daily!
Just a few minutes of your day is all it takes to look refreshed and awake all day! Soak your tea bags and allow them to cool in the fridge. When you’re ready place the tea bags onto your eyes and relax for 2-5 minutes. The nutrients in the tea will help draw out excessive water causing the puffiness, and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
The 2-5 minutes is an excellent opportunity to recite your daily affirmations or slip in a quick meditation to refocus yourself!
# Benefit 10: Rehydrate your skin
Some people experience dry skin in winter, and some in summer, and others experience dry skin all year round!
For anyone who has dry skin or skin conditions that leave your skin dry and patchy, use tea as your skin rehydrator.
Brew your tea and allow it to cool, once cooled, add the tea to a spray bottle and spray it to your skin, or apply it directly to the dry areas with a cotton pad.
Your skin will be moisturized, soft, and hydrated in no time!
Implementing a daily tea ritual to your lifestyle will help optimize your physical and mental health. From drinking your tea to bathing in it, we’ve covered the methods and benefits of adding tea to your daily routine.
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are nervous, it will calm you.” – William Ewart Gladstone
