Greetings #Wellness WOWers and those who are seeking to uplevel your health, happiness in harmony. Dr. Michelle here, your holistic physician who specializes in the release of stress simply and naturally. Many people ask me, "What do you mean by releasing stress simply and naturally? How do you do that?" Glad you asked. One of the simple and natural ways you can release stress, is by drinking tea.
Having tea can be more than a tantalizing taste experience, it can be a way to relax and release stress. One of your arsenals against stress is mindfulness. Many studies on mindfulness have revealed its effectiveness in reducing stress, which has led to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction or MSBR techniques. We can make our tea time a mindfulness activity to relax and release stress.
Mindfulness is about slowing down and being present in the moment. For those who have racing thoughts, this may give you some relief. How you can turn an ordinary cup of tea into a mindfulness stress reducing activity, incorporate the following:
Choose Your Tea
If you want to relax, I wouldn’t recommend something stimulating like green tea, but something calming and soothing such as chamomile or lavender. Of course, my number one choice would be Release Recharge Tea, a special FREELIFE formulation for stress. Whatever you choose, be intentional and MINDFUL of the benefits and intended result.
Engage all of Your Senses
Of course, you want to choose a tea that tantalizes your taste buds, but the experience doesn’t begin there.
Sight - How does the tea look to you? Does it remind you of anything? Perhaps a meadow of wildflowers?
Smell – How does the tea smell to you? Does it have a pleasant aroma?
After you have brewed your tea, slow down and enjoy every part of the remaining experience. When you take the lid off the pot, smell the aroma and allow the steam to refresh your face for a moment.
Use Your Favorite Mug
Why is this your favorite mug? Does it conjure up happy memories?
I like mugs with inspirational messages or bright colors that make me feel happy and vibrant.
Sound – Now pour. Pouring your tea can be a hydrotherapy for stress experience. Does the sound remind you of a bubbling brook? Or maybe, a reminder that you will soon be replenished after feeling depleted.
Taste – Now taste and see. What do the flavors remind you of?I have had some teas that reminded me of my childhood summers at our summer home. My grandmother used to take the grand-daughters with her to pick wild strawberries, raspberries and mulberries and then make a delectable cobbler. Those were some of the happiest and FREE times of my life!
Touch – Allow the flavors to bathe your taste buds. How do you feel?
As a bonus, sip your tea while sitting outside. For me, it enhances the experience even more. Especially if there is a gentle breeze and I can hear the birds sing. Ahhh! Relax. Release. Recharge.
Sounds relaxing right? I can help you create a moment just like this.
If you are in the Atlanta metropolitan area, carve out some me time and join me Sunday, August 19th for Me Time Tea Time. RSVP at www.metimeteatime.com for more information.
In the meantime, be well!
Yours in Health and Harmony,
Dr. Michelle Clay, DO, CHHC is a speaker, best-selling author & Holistic Physician specializing in the release and management of stress and its associated symptoms simply and naturally. Through her company FREELIFE7, Dr. Michelle creates harmony and life balance through wellness coaching programs and online courses to help burned out professionals and overwhelmed overachievers create their sense of calm, health and happiness to live a FREE life on purpose with passion. She is frequently called upon to give a refreshing holistic perspective on ways to release stress and shift mindset for wellness success.