Confessions of a Steamy Affair
I'm known as a true coffee lover, but over the past six years, I've found myself caught up in an increasingly passionate affair with tea. It all began innocently enough - a cup here, a cup there, nothing journal worthy.
Then while I was on a summer trip to the island of Bermuda, I went into one of the local spots in Hamilton for lunch. I talked briefly with a woman who seemed to have really enjoyed her cup of tea, quite like the intimate experience I have while drinking coffee.
What she shared with me caused me to rethink my relationship with tea. I must confess...I'm in love!
It's hard to keep a great relationship a secret, so I thought I'd share what's made my relationship with tea so wonderful in hopes that you might begin a steamy affair of your own - with tea that is.
Top 3 Tips for Building a Great Relationship with Tea
1. Plan for it to be a beautiful encounter!
Invest in a couple of beautiful teacups. If you're not ready for a set, just get one for your home and one that you can use at work. It doesn't matter if you choose a beautifully patterned bone china, glassware, or ceramic - with or without the saucers, just make sure that it feels good when you hold it in your hands and that it makes you think "beautiful" when you look at it. When you enjoy a cup of tea while dining out, ask for the nicest teacup or drink ware that they have. You deserve it!
If you're enjoying your tea at home, take it to the most beautiful and peaceful part of your home, even if it means taking it outside! If you're at work, find a place that's quiet and has a nice atmosphere (near fountains, flower gardens, etc.). If your office is the only option, take a couple of nice doilies to use on a table in your office (or your desk if that's your only option). Whatever the space is, just make it special for you to enjoy your tea.
2. Take your time, don't rush it!
Unlike coffee, which many of us often drink on the go or use to perk us up when our energy seems to wane, tea needs your time in order to really give you its best. It should take you a minimum of 20 minutes to enjoy a cup of tea - and that's dedicated time, when you're not rushed to go somewhere or do something. Use every sip as an opportunity for you to inhale power and exhale any stress, anxiety, and fear.
Here's my 5-step process for truly enjoying a cup of tea:
Steep - Don't microwave the bag in the water! Don't microwave water for tea at all if you can help it. Steeping times vary based on the type of tea and whether you're using a bag tea or loose leaves, but 90 seconds to 2 minutes is the average steeping time.
Sniff (slowly and deeply inhale the full aroma of the tea).
Sip, don't gulp.
Savor the flavor of the tea by allowing it to float through your mouth, over and across your tongue. The front, sides, and back of your tongue pick up different tastes, so in order to really taste the distinct and rich flavors of tea, you need to give your tongue the time and opportunity to do its thing!
Swallow. Ahhh!
3. Let it love you!
A cup of tea has the power to love you - from the warmth it renders as it flows from the tip of your tongue throughout your body to the numerous health benefits it's been found to give your body the more time you spend with it. Whether it's a bag tea or loose leaves, teas are great for your health.
- Black tea has been shown to increase brainwaves and mental focus and also kills the germs that cause bad breath when drank straight (without cream or sugar).
- Chamomile tea boosts your immune system naturally, provides powerful amino acids that help ease menstrual cramps, helps to reduce gas when after a meal, and is an excellent natural sleep aid for those who suffer from insomnia.
- Green tea has powerful antioxidants which help protect your bones as you age.
- Oolong tea, which I just discovered thanks to my sister's Christmas gift, has been shown to help burn 12% more fat without making any other changes to your diet (when sipped daily). Thanks sis! :)
- Spearmint tea has been shown to help reduce excess facial hair by lowering your levels of testosterone.
- White tea, my most favorite, is known as the most elegant tea and has been proven to help block the chemicals that lead to colon cancer.
This is just a starter list of the primary teas that I've come to enjoy so much. If you haven't paid tea much attention lately, give it another chance and approach your relationship with it differently this time.
I can't wait to hear the details of your steamy affair!