‘Tis The Season…to be Stressed?!
This modern world is nothing if not a sea of contradiction. The holidays are no exception, “‘Tis the season of light; ‘Tis the season of darkness” best describes how most of us feel about the last few, insanely busy weeks of the year.
As a society, we applaud those who accomplish the greatest number of tasks in the least amount of time. Thus most people are accustomed to living in a state of perpetual multi-tasking. If day-to-day life already feels like a juggling act, the physical, emotional and financial demands of the holidays can seem like juggling while walking a tightrope. The additional stress often jolts us off center and pushes us to the point of complete and total exhaustion. At the very least, holiday burn-out significantly lessens our enjoyment of the season; in extreme cases it can lead to illness or depression.
Which brings us to the doorstep of another contradiction: At the very time we need it most, we forget to take time for ourselves. Time essential for maintaining a healthy life balance. In the midst of extreme chaos, it is easy to forget that we have the ability to insulate ourselves from extreme stress and make holiday chaos tolerable.
One of the best tools in our relaxation arsenal is tea. Coupled with meditation and yoga, tea is even more powerful. The wisdom of the ancients is being rediscovered by the citizens of today’s hectic world.
Since that fateful day in 2737 BC when a scant few tea leaves accidentally fell into Emperor Sheng Nung’s pot of boiling water, the relationship between tea and humanity has been delicately intertwined. Modern scientific research continues to substantiate ancient claims of tea’s healing properties. The powerful antioxidants found in Camellia sinensis, referred to as polyphenols, lower cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight loss, benefit diabetic conditions, and even help guard against some types of cancer. These polyphenols are of great benefit to us during times of stress by boosting our body’s natural defense against disease and illness.
If we delve a little deeper, tea is much more than a medicinal beverage. The simple act of making and enjoying tea has an uncanny ability to be a delivery-system for peace. When we feel irritable and overextended, making tea is a welcome pause in our hectic schedules. It is a gift to allow ourselves time to sip from our cups and focus our attention on the present moment.
Double the relaxation benefits of the tea experience by adding a short meditation. Meditation in its most basic form is anything that helps you return your mind to the present moment. While brewing the tea, try to focus on the steeping leaves and nothing else. When the tea has finished brewing hold the warm cup in both hands while slowly breathing in its aroma. Breathe in for a count of five, hold the breath for a count of five and exhale for a count of five. Repeat as many times as you feel is necessary. You will gradually begin to feel the waves of serenity overcome you. This holiday season Take 10 for Tea. Ten minutes for a pause to refresh the soul and nourish the body. You will be very glad you did.
