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Anxiety is an emotion caused by unpleasant mental distress and inner turmoil. Usually, anxiety is accompanied by nervous behaviors – such as pacing back and forth, feelings of imminent death, and uneasiness – followed by muscular tension, fatigue, restlessness, and worry. Although you can always pop a pill to manage stress, there are all natural ways to deal with stress.
Drinking tea is one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety and reduce stress. Tea is packed with soothing nutrients that calm the mind, relaxes the muscles, and ease mental distress. Practicing mindful tea drinking also helps relieve anxiety. If you are ready for an all-natural approach to reducing anxiety, here are our tips:
Types of Anxiety-Busting Teas
Not all teas are created equal. Some will perk you up, others are meant to soothe frayed nerves. If you are trying to relax and ease anxiety, try these teas:
Green tea
Green tea is packed with L-theanine, an amino acid that eases mental distress by stimulating the production of alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves promote a calmer state of mind. Green tea also boosts memory, protects from free radical stress and reduces the risk of cancer. Japanese green tea contains the highest amounts of theanine so if you are drinking tea to relax, choose Japanese green tea. Do note that green tea contains caffeine so go for the decaffeinated kind.
Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea helps ease mental distress, agitation, and mental fatigue. In fact, passionflower is used to treat severe anxiety. This tea reduces muscle tension, promotes better sleep and minimizes headaches. Passionflower tea is also known to combat withdrawal symptoms among addicts.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a perennial favorite among those who take tea to relax because it relieves mild anxiety, promotes deeper sleep, and alleviates stress. In children, chamomile tea is an effective remedy for upset stomach too. Chamomile tea is very versatile. You can drink it or infuse the tea to your bathwater for a relaxing soak.
Kava
Kava is the most popular tea for treating moderate to severe anxiety. Studies show that kava effectively calms the mind, alleviates stress and soothes anxiety. It is so effective that kava actually reduces anxious thoughts.
Easing Stress Through Mindful Tea Drinking
Alleviating anxiety through tea drinking is not dependent on the soothing botanicals found in tea leaves alone. The act of preparing and mindfully drinking your tea also helps reduce anxiety.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tea
The first step to mindful tea drinking is to prepare your tea. Sit down and pour a small amount of hot water in a cup. Add the tea bag in the water and wait until the liquid steeps.
Step 2: Give Thanks
After steeping the tea and inhaling its aroma, take a moment to give thanks for the tea you are about to enjoy. Expressing gratitude is a part of comforting the mind and the body, bringing peace of mind.
Step 3: Drink the Tea
After giving thanks, drink your tea but do so in small sips. Take time savoring the delicate flavors and focus on pleasant thoughts as you enjoy your tea.
Step 4: Give Thanks Again
After you finish a cup of tea, give thanks to the universe again and keep your mind focused on positive things to promote a calmer mind free from anxiety.
