Tackle Your New Year's Resolutions With Tea

Take a second to take a deep breath. You've officially made it through another year.  Life rarely unfolds exactly as we envision. This past year brought twists and turns we never could have imagined and obstacles that tested our resilience. Embracing the idea that things won’t always go our way allows us to cultivate patience and humility, reminding us that every setback carries a seed of growth. Ultimately, it’s this blend of adversity and achievement that shapes our journey, enriching our lives and deepening our understanding of what it means to move forward with purpose and grace.

As we enter into another year, we can let resolutions propel us, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and reflection. Taking a step back allows us to evaluate the past year’s experiences, understand our desires, and identify the changes we genuinely want to pursue. In a digital world where everything seems to be moving at breakneck speed, slowing down creates space for mindfulness and clarity, helping us to set intentions that resonate with our values rather than fleeting trends. This thoughtful approach not only enhances our commitment to our goals but also fosters a deeper connection with ourselves, ensuring that our resolutions are meaningful and sustainable throughout the year.

Whether you're a seasoned resolution-maker or new at setting intentions for the year, we'll work through a few common resolutions and how they can be enhanced with the healing power of tea.

1. Prioritize Health/Get In Shape

We hear you're looking to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Whether that looks like keeping and sticking to a fitness routine, losing weight, or simply getting your steps in, there's one thing you're going to need to fuel you on this health journey — water. Committing to making healthy changes starts with staying hydrated. Incorporating herbal teas can boost hydration while offering additional health benefits like giving you proper antioxidants, aiding digestion, and supporting immune function. Don't like the taste of water? Try sipping on a mild herbal tea without caffeine to keep you properly hydrated. We recommend Shangri-La Rose for a mildly sweet, aromatic experience that contains zero calories. Drink it hot or iced throughout the day to stay hydrated, help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce sudden cravings.  

2. Practice Mindfulness

If you're committed to shifting your mindset and practicing mindfulness, set aside time to prepare and savor a cup of tea, treating it as a sacred pause amid your busy schedule. As you boil the water and steeped the flower, focus on the vibrant colors, soothing aromas, and gentle sounds around you, fully engaging your senses. While sipping your tea, practice mindful breathing, taking slow, deliberate sips and paying attention to the warmth of the cup in your hands and the complex flavors. This simple ritual not only reminds you to slow down but also helps cultivate a deeper sense of calm and awareness, enhancing your overall well-being throughout the year. Set aside time each day for mindfulness or meditation with a cup of calming tea, such as Royal Chrysanthemum to create the ultimate serene atmosphere. 

3. Improve Sleep

If this is the year you're committing to improving your sleep quality, we're here to support you. First, start by establishing a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This can take time to get into a good groove, so give yourself grace when carving out your new shedule. Create a calming bedtime routine that includes winding down with activities like reading, taking a warm bath and avoiding screens at least an hour before sleep. To optimize your sleep environment, make sure my bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet, using blackout curtains and white noise if necessary. Additionally, be mindful of my caffeine and food intake, avoiding heavy meals and stimulants in the evening. Sipping on herbal teas like Blue Lotus before bed can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it easier to wind down at night. With its relaxing and mild sedative properties, Blue Lotus helps the body naturally wind down unlike non-natural sleep aids which can potentially be dangerous and addictive.

4. Cultivate Gratitude

If you're resolving to enhance your sense of gratitude, set aside a few quiet moments to brew your favorite tea each week with a gratitude journal. Making a weekly ritual out of this practice will allow you to properly reflect and hopefully making lasting changes in the way you see yourself and others. As you steep your tea, think of three things you're grateful for, whether it's a kind gesture from a friend, a moment of laughter, or simply the comfort of your home. Sip your tea mindfully, and allow these feelings of appreciation to fill your heart as you journal. This practice not only deepens your gratitude but also provides a peaceful end to her day, fostering a greater sense of joy and contentment as you move into the new year.

5. Reduce Stress

Commit to finding healthier ways to cope with stress. Switching from highly caffeinated, coffee-based drinks to herbal teas can be the helpful shift you need to feel less anxious and stressed out in your day-to-day. A blooming herbal tea containing antioxidants to help fight inflammation, improve brain function and promote heart health will help hydrate you and prevent midday crashes associated with energy drinks and coffee.     

6. Strengthen Relationships

If you're aiming to make more meaningful connections this year or simply reconnect with good friends you feel you don't see enough, let tea be a natural catalyst in making these plans. If you want to more quality time with loved ones, consider hosting tea gatherings or sharing different flower teas to create meaningful connections and foster conversations in cozy, inviting environments. Maybe it's mailing a box of tea to your friend who's not expecting it or hosting an intimate night of collaging over tea and reflection.