Tea is a wonderful source of comfort, relaxation, joy, reward, and inspiration. There’s a tea for every mood, moment, and state of mindfulness. Enjoyed the world over in a variety of ways, hailed in ceremony, and served to classy company, tea is always appropriate!
There is something so incredibly comforting about the act of brewing a cup of tea, particularly if you use the power of positive thinking when you go through the motions. You get to take a break from the task at hand for a few minutes to boil the water and prepare your brew. Take this time to breathe, slow down, release negative thoughts or even problem solve in a different environment – particularly helpful if you spend your day staring at a computer. A wonderful tool to aid in decreasing stress if you don’t have time or the inclination to take a walk when you feel overwhelmed. It really only takes a few minutes to get it together, which means you can take a break anytime and get a cuppa.
Here are some of our favourite teas:
Masala Chai, shortened to Chai in North America, is a black tea blended with rich spices. Everyone has their own secret recipe, but most often chai spice blends include cinnamon, black pepper, clove, star anise, and cardamom. Or 
you can ask Bhupi to bring some of her home made special blend of masala chai spices and show you how to make a traditional cuppa but whatever the blend, you can count on chai to warm your body and soul!
Rooibus, pronounced roy-bos, is a tea made from a small shrub found in South Africa. Naturally caffeine free, many people enjoy it as an alternative to black tea because it has a smooth, rich flavour that is a far departure from flowery or fruity herbals. Fabulous on its own, but also delicious with milk, and downright indulgent with milk and honey.
Green tea is harvested from proper tea plants and served up without the fermentation process that creates black tea. It is caffeinated, something we tend to forget, but that just gives you more reason to gravitate to it when you hit the 3 o’clock wall. Heat your water to boiling and then let it cool for a few minutes before steeping to avoid a bitter aftertaste.
Peppermint is an uplifting herbal tea, a great caffeine-free pick-me-up morning, noon, and night.
Chamomile is soothing and often recommended as part of your bedtime routine.
Ginger tea, or teas containing ginger, can inspire a sense of calm, and quiet a prickly stomach.
Ceylon is a black tea that is very smooth. This is a special occasion tea, a treat-yourself-tea, and quite frankly it’s an everyday tea because, why not? Remember that black tea is caffeinated.
Earl Grey is a delicate black tea with a hint of bergamot. That mild citrus zing is a bright spot on a rainy day! Just because it’s a lighter tasting tea doesn’t mean you can’t pour yourself a huge mug.
Broaden your tea tastes by shopping in health food stores or natural food sections of the grocery store. Better yet, try a loose leaf tea shop. Get into the habit of taking a few minutes to make yourself a cup of tea every day and you’ll soon understand why we hold tea time in high regard to self-care.
Book a Mandalas4You workshop for your next team-building experience, bridal shower, birthday party, or just because! Contact us to book.