How to 'fill your cup' made easy with tea

You may have heard “You can’t fill from an empty cup,” but what can you do about it.It's been a long day and you're tired. You need to make dinner, clean the dishes, fold the laundry and have bills to pay. The list goes on and on. It feels like there is never enough time in the day to get everything done, let alone find time for yourself. Well, luckily there is something quick and easy you can do to make your days more manageable and enjoyable. Have yourself some tea time!

Why tea for self-care….

Tea done right is a powerful addition to your self-care routine. What do I mean by tea done right? Well, first treat your cup of tea like it’s an experience not just something to cross off your to-do list. Set aside 10-15 minutes for just you away from distractions such as the television or your phone. This can be early morning, mid-afternoon, before bed... whenever. Tea, unlike coffee or wine, can be enjoyed any time of day.

Next, really take this time to be in the moment and feel the full experience of the tea. Watch the color of the water change as it brews. Inhale the aroma. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hand. Take a nice slow sip and taste all the notes of your tea. When you do this, you’re practicing mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

Tea also contains an amino acid, L-theanine, that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Research suggests that this amino acid contributes to the feeling of relaxation by actually reducing a person’s resting heart rate. Added bonus, L-theanine lowers your blood pressure.

Between being intentional with your time and the (word) of tea, you will benefit both your physical and mental health. You are worth it to set aside that little bit of time for yourself. There is no need to feel guilty in what you could be doing with those few spare minutes. You will be a better mother, wife, friend, sister, and just person in general when you take care of yourself.