Here’s to everyone seeking relief from the stresses of a hectic workday.

Drinking tea is pretty special, and when I say special, I mean it helps us reduce stress. Not only does tea have a little zip that puts a bounce in our step, it also has an amazing and magical component called L-Theanine. L-theanine is like a moment of zen for your brain. It's an amino acid found in tea leaves. What's cool about it is that it helps promote relaxation and reduce stress without causing drowsiness. It does this by promoting the production of alpha brain waves. It’s also known to enhance focus and attention, so it’s great for tasks that require concentration. Say goodbye to stress and hello to relaxation and improved focus. Congratulations! You’ve found your remedy.

However, moderation is key. Too much tea might have the opposite effect. If you are feeling over-caffeinated you might want to shift to an herbal tea, such as tulsi or mint. Personally, I recommend our mint tea with honey.

Keep in mind that the caffeine in tea has a much different effect than the caffeine in coffee or in an energy drink. It is the same substance, but its effects are different, especially as we age. We get a rush from coffee, but then the ride suddenly comes to a halt. I’ve heard it described as “falling off the edge of a cliff”. With tea, it’s more like a magic carpet ride. We get that important rush of energy, but in the end, the magic carpet that we were flying on, gently guides us back to earth, the way nature intended.

Tea is more than just a drink, it is a peaceful and zen ritual. Create a designated tea brewing area at your workstation, complete with a tea brew tray to keep all of your tea tools organized. Embrace the gong fu cha brew style, a meditative process reminiscent of the zen rock gardens. The sounds, the sights, and the smells can wash away stress, not just of the moment, but also accumulated stress over time.

Ancient poets have dedicated verses to tea, praising its effects on our state of mind. For centuries, people have marveled over how tea seems to have the ability to shift our perspective, allowing us to appreciate the deeper meaning of situations. Perhaps this shift helps us maintain perspective and ask ourselves, “Is this really worth getting upset about?” In the grand scheme of life, it is a reminder that life is short, drink good tea.