Stress Relief Tip: Drink a cup of green tea

Sometimes when I feel stressed out, it seems as though things are going by so fast and that there are so many moving thoughts floating around in my head. When this happens a great stress relief tip that I like to do is: brew and drink a cup of green tea.

For the past few years I have been drinking green tea on regular basis. About 3 to 5 cups per week and usually a little bit more during the winter months. I used to be a big coffee drinker, but have gradually switched to tea.

I find that green tea has less caffeine than coffee and is better soothing to calm any stressful nerves. Here are some reasons why green tea can be an effective stress reliever:

It helps you switch gears

Making tea involves you to really take your fast paced life and ease it to a slower, more relaxed tempo. For example, heating the water to make the tea and brewing the teabag takes about 5 to 7 minutes. There is no instant fix like a opening can of soda pop or a pouring from the coffee pot. Making one cup of tea is sort of a relaxing event in itself and it can’t be rushed. And of course, the tea will be very hot and you will have to drink it at a moderate pace.

Green tea has properties to increase relaxation

Several recent studies have found that the amino acid L-theanine that is in green tea helps promote relaxation. I notice that after every time I drink a cup of green tea, I feel a sense of soothing calmness. The tea seems to give me a re-fresh and helps me be more aware of my state of being.

It gives you a peace of mind

Green tea also has been found to have several health benefits including boosting your immune system, increases mental alertness and increases metabolism to lose weight. Knowing that you are drinking something that is good for you can ease your worries about health and help you relax.