Everybody has those moments where you just need to drink something. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to grab a glass of wine or a coffee and take a moment to breathe. Here are some tips on what drinks will help you relax.
1. Coffee
Caffeine is not only an ever-popular beverage; it’s known as one of the best stress relievers out there! A quick shot of caffeine does more than just perk you up-it actually helps your body manage cortisol, which is one of our body’s own natural fight-or-flight hormones that have been linked to stress levels.
You can also have cold brew coffee, which contains around 75% less caffeine than other methods. Hario has a very popular cold brew product that consists of 600ml beakers. So if the day seems too difficult, don’t forget about your trusty mug o’ joe!
2. Hot Chocolate
Everybody’s favorite winter drink is also a great stress reliever! The cocoa in chocolate releases serotonin that will relax you and put your mind at ease. So next time it’s cold outside, don’t forget to grab a nice cup of hot chocolate-it’ll do wonders for your mood.
3. Milk Tea
Milk tea is one of the most popular drinks from Asian countries such as China and Taiwan. Some of these milk teas contain up to 50% sugar, so it might be best to make them yourself with a bit more control over exactly how much sweet goes into each glass.
What makes this drink stand out is the fact that it contains the amino acid L-theanine, which helps reduce anxiety. It’s important to note that this drink should not be consumed if you have a caffeine allergy since the caffeine might cause your heart rate to rise. If you’re looking for a nice warm drink on a cold night, go with some milk tea!
4. Green Tea
Green tea is another option with L-theanine added in, and it contains catechins which can reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. It’s best when brewed at around 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 Celsius). Steep for about two minutes or more while constantly stirring to make sure all flavors come out.
This particular drink is especially interesting because it’s believed to help cleanse your body from any impurities brought on by stress. With no refined sugar inside, green tea is one of the healthiest drinks to relieve stress, and it pairs absolutely perfectly with chocolate.
5. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to help reduce nausea, gas, and other stomach problems brought on by stress (and the digestive distress that comes along with these symptoms). It’s also naturally antibacterial, which can be great when you’re feeling sick!
Simply boil some water and slice up a little ginger root; then pour about half a cup into two cups of boiling water. Let it steep for at least five minutes before enjoying your spicy drink! With this recipe, there are no added sugars, so if you don’t like your drinks too sweet, this will definitely do the trick.
6. Hot Apple Cider
A perfect drink for fall, hot apple cider is also a great beverage to help reduce, stress-especially if you add some rum (but not too much)! The sweetness of the apple and cinnamon help relax your mind while the alcohol relaxes your body; there’s nothing that screams ‘fall’ like sitting in front of a fireplace with a mug full of hot apple cider!
7. White Wine
Also known as Riesling, this type of wine has been shown to increase levels of GABA, which promotes calmness and relaxation. It can be best to have about 1-2 glasses at night before going to bed so it doesn’t interfere with any medications or other remedies you might take during the day.
8. Kombucha
This type of fermented beverage is made with green or black tea as its base; then added in are sugars like honey and fruit juice (usually cranberry). The fermentation time varies per batch, which makes this drink super interesting because each bottle will have different levels of sugar depending on how long it was fermented.
Kombucha containsprobiotics that are great for your gut! The longer it was fermented, the more active cultures there will be. This is why some bottles might taste a little sour, but don’t let that stop you from drinking this lovely beverage-it can also help reduce stress levels by up to 30%!
It’s important to find what works best for you and to make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax with your favorite beverage-you’ll be glad you did!