One of the really nice things about writing is that it allows you to reflect. Typically my writing starts from a prompt; a prompt from a Facebook post, news article or book I’ve read. Perhaps it’s because people aren’t traveling to the office as much butI was thinking about how people seem to be super obsessed with coffee (or at least they did pre-COVID-19) and perhaps obsessed isn’t the right term but Americans really love their caffeine in the form of coffee. I happen to love my caffeine in the form of tea. And if you know me then you know I am a lover of tea; you can read more about how tea became a ritual for my mind and soul.
So here are a few reasons why I simply love tea.
1. This mom is tired…
And most parents these days are too. Although I work a full-time job, while also trying to establish the Parentpiphany brand while simultaneously handling all the emotional labor in most household tasks, and making sure my children’s lives are enriched . Moms. I’m exhausted for many many many reasons. And please note I am not downplaying the role that hubby has because trust me he’s many things too, but that’s why we make enough tea and coffee for everyone!
2. Every sip is like a warm hug.
A lot of things about parenthood are pure joy and happiness but then there’s the other 5-ish percent (OK, maybe it’s closer to 10ish) which could described as pure shi*t (sometimes literally). Thank goodness tea is a socially acceptable treat that doesn’t cost all that much. I know when my kiddos have had a rough day and I’m trying to get them to bed I’m already thinking about how great that cup of tea will be. And honestly when I’ve had a long, hard day, making myself a pot of tea is a great way to de-stress and focus on myself, even if it’s just for 20 minutes or so.
3. Tea is good for me (and you)!
Do you know drinking tea might help you live longer? OK, so on any given day the science reported on the benefits of tea can change but tea in general researchers think tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, it may help with weight loss and it has less caffeine than coffee. Tea contains antioxidants; studies have shown that antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals (think heart disease, cancer and other diseases). Pretty amazing, right?!?
4. It tastes really good.
This is the obvious one but with or without milk or sugar Tea is delicious to drink. Currently I drink mine with no sugar and with little to no milk; it wasn’t always that way but for the time I’m sticking to it.
5. Tea might just make me a better person, dare I say mom!
No, I’m not kidding. Like at all. As a busy working mom sometimes the only true break ever get. Tea is my excuse to get up 20 minutes of “me time” before I get the kiddos. It’s my afternoon excuse to stop what I’m doing (as in everything I’m doing) to unwind. Without coffee, I’d have no explanation for breaks. With coffee, I can say, hey, mama just needs a minute to have a coffee. And sometimes the kids even listen!
So, how do YOU take your tea? Do you love tea as much as I do? Share with us in the comments below or in our Facebook group.
Authored by Sharita Thompson, M.Ed, HBCE
