By Louise Glas
Since immigrating to Germany, I have always measured the calendar year through the social events in Munich. It keeps me optimistic and less homesick.
Let me show you!
It starts with the fireworks of the New Year, followed by the craziness of Fasching. A month or two later, you have the stillness of Easter. With just a few blinks, the Pfingstferien say hello! Then you can feel the cold breeze bidding adieu, allowing summertime to take the spotlight. After six weeks, the children go back to school. Suddenly, you see tourists flock to Munich, ready to party at Oktoberfest. After a few nights of sleep, you wear your costumes for trick-or-treating, the children light their lamps for St. Martin, and then Nikolaus comes to give you chocolates. The next thing you know, it’s already Christmas! What a busy year.
However, 2020 decided to be extraordinary. Against our will, we skipped many of these festivities. We had to stay together by being apart. We went from Fasching to the last quarter of the year in just one snap. From the cold breeze of February to the sweater weather of October. Where did the time go? I feel cold.
For the first time since my move to Germany, I felt homesick, scared, and paralyzed. I spent most of the year being lonely and pessimistic. Then it hit me: nothing good will come out of that. So I decided to hang onto my favorite things, one of which is tea.
Tea is an ancient drink derived from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Numerous studies have proven its physical health benefits, such as, but not limited to, the regulation of body fats and metabolism. But the question remains, why does tea make us feel good?
Tea is stimulating and calming at the same time
The caffeine keeps us awake and mentally alert, but tea also relaxes us due to L-theanine, a compound unique to tea that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Tea helps increase dopamine levels
Tea contains polyphenols, a compound that can boost dopamine. Dopamine is also known as the "feel-good" hormone.
Tea promotes self-care
From the moment you pick your tea of the day until the second you finish your cup, you are creating a time and space for yourself. Even if it only takes five minutes out of your hectic schedule, it's still a break that you deserve.
Try this PositiviTEA Plan next time you brew your tea
Pick a tea that speaks to you the most.
Breathe deeply and open your tea tin or package.
Smell the aroma of the tea leaves.
Scoop the blend into your infuser and use your favorite mug.
Boil the water and hear its bubbling.
Use this time to catch a breath.
Pour the water over your tea-filled infuser.
Feel the steam. Breathe.
Steep and let it cool.
Drink your cup without doing anything else on the side.
When you feel cold, under the weather, or stressed, follow this simple PositiviTEA Plan to make yourself feel good. It’s healing and meditative. It’ll keep you warm and fuzzy, and ready to face the cold season.
As turbulent this year might be, it is not all bad. We learned we are resilient and are stronger than we seem; and we are blessed and never alone. This season reminds us that change, though forced, can also be good, can be beautiful. Autumn is here. It’s time to move forward, to hope for better, to turn a new leaf.
All Romantic Fine Teas are perfect holiday gifts! Über Moms members can enjoy a 5% discount for every purchase of 25 EUR and above. Kindly email me at louise@theladyglass.com and quote Über Moms.
You may also download my FREE Tea and Food Pairing Guide on www.theladyglass.com. Let me know how Lady Glass® Teas can give you more positiviTEA. Follow and say hello on Instagram @LadyGlassOfficial.
Louise Glas
Louise Glas is a Certified Tea Specialist and a Registered Nurse. Louise is also the creator and founder of the Romantic Tea Brand, Lady Glass. Louise ' s mission is to promote mental health awareness and self-care by providing others with positiviTEA and a safe communiTEA. Mental health is personally important to Louise as she herself has suffered from burnout, anxiety, and depression. Louise takes it day by day with a healthy company, good food, and a cup of romantic fine teas in her hand.