Whenever Amara is stressed she goes somewhere quiet and is still for a time, letting the feelings of fear and sadness ebb and flow. Then, when she is ready, she counts her blessings one by one. It turns her around, I've seen it. After that she rests some more until she's ready to reface challenges.

I teach her about life and its lessons. And that if stress is tea in a cup, and if the cup spills you are overwhelmed and sick, then it makes sense to put a lid on that cup.

This is managing your life, choosing wisely what you can and can't cope with. This way we keep an open heart and see that we are doing the most we can do whilst remaining in good health. One way I put a lid on my cup is not to watch the news, to talk with those who bring a sense of love into my life. We can make choices to care for the self and still be kind.

Old age had once seemed some distant destination on some horizon uncharted to me, yet just as one step in front of the other it took me thousands of miles as I kept walking, it had already arrived.

Amma she calls out to me, as we step up a fire a bit closer to the beach grass. The beach grass, as I have always thought, is as nature's magic wands, growing where logic might suggest they ought not, yet thriving all the same.

As humans, we may thrive and grow where logic might suggest not. And one day Amara might learn the magic between humans and nature. But for now I will brew her a cup of tea.

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. In fact, 70% of adults in India say they feel stress or anxiety daily. 

During such difficult times, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the pandemic fatigue has reached your doorstep too. Hence, here are some simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety, along with blends that compliment them.

Exercise :

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress.

It might seem contradictory, but putting physical stress on your body through exercise can relieve mental stress. 

Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones, it can also improve your sleep quality, which can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety. Try to find an exercise routine or activity you enjoy, such as walking, dancing or yoga.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea has been proven to be highly beneficial for improving blood circulation. Hence, helping in increasing your metabolism.

Other than helping you to use exercise as a form to de-stress, it is also known for other health benefits such as the following.

Benefits :

• Aromatherapy
• Weight Loss
• Anti-Aging
• Heart Health
• Reduces Headaches
• Stress Relief

Light a candle :

Using essential oils or burning a scented candle may help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety.

Some scents are especially soothing. Here are some of the most calming scents:

• Lavender
• Rose
• Vetiver
• Bergamot
• Roman chamomile

Using scents to treat your mood is called aromatherapy. Several studies show that aromatherapy can decrease anxiety and improve sleep.

Lavender Rosemary Tea

This particular blend of tea is thought to calm nerves, lead to better sleep, improve skin health, and provide many other benefits. Lavender is widely used as an aromatherapy agent and supplement to help with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. And Rosemary has a long history of culinary and aromatic uses, in addition to applications in traditional herbal and Ayurvedic medicine. 

Benefits :

• Improves Mood
• Boosts Sleep
• Soothe Menstrual Cramping
• Improves Skin Health
• Supports Brain Health
• Stress Relief

Write it down :

One way to handle stress is to write things down.

Gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety by focusing your thoughts on what’s positive in your life.

Pure Chamomile Herbal Tea  

Chamomile tea is a popular beverage that also offers a variety of health benefits. 

Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions.

Benefits :

• Improve Sleep Quality
• Promote Digestive Health
• Benefit Blood Sugar Control
• Relieves Anxiety and Depression
• Boosts Immune Health
• Stress Relief

Practice mindfulness :

Mindfulness describes practices that anchor you to the present moment.

It can help combat the anxiety-inducing effects.

There are several methods for increasing mindfulness, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga and meditation.

Mindfulness may also help increase self-esteem, which in turn lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Moonlight Rose White Tea

This blend is an aromatic herbal beverage made from the fragrant petals and buds of rose flowers. It's claimed to offer numerous health benefits, especially in regards to stress.

Roses have been used for cultural and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

Benefits :

• Hydration
• Weight Loss
• Rich in Antioxidants
• Naturally Caffeine-Free
• Relief from Menstrual Pain
• Improves Metabolism
• Stress Relief

Take a deep breath, let the aroma fulfil you.