Mindful sipping: 5 activities to do while enjoying a cup of tea.

Mindful Sipping: It’s time to slow down.

When was the last time you just sat down, in silence with zero distractions? When I was a child I could entertain myself for hours, allowing my mind to wonder and imagine the most elaborate scenarios. Now if I sit in a silent room, I almost feel uncomfortable, I automatically reach for my phone or start resitting my to-do list for that day. When I do manage to take some control back and really practice bring in the moment, my day is always better. I think we are all getting to a point where we are realizing we are pushing ourselves to our limits, working to much and not living enough. We are running from a to b on empty. Imagine how much more we could get done if we actually did put aside 5-10 minutes for a mindful moment.

Take a moment to read through 5 mindful activities you can do while enjoying your morning cup of tea.

Take a deep breath or five…

When was the last time you really took a deep breath? Breathing is such a powerful thing that we take advantage of. It is automatic and we do not have to think about it, it just happens! Deep breathing is known to help stress levels, improve mental clarity and creativity and  give you a better nights sleep. When I start getting a tight chest, a headache or just overwhelmed, I take a step back and breath. A big belly breath. The Wim Hof Method of breathing is backed by science and has been proven to help a whole range of people. Over your next morning cup of tea, take five really deep breaths. Feel the space open up in your chest and your brain relax. My 2020 goal is to deep breath first thing in the morning and last thing at night, working my way up to cold showers!

Pay Attention

If you are in a quiet space, take a moment to pay attention to all your senses. What can you hear? What can you smell? What can you taste? What can you see? It is almost like an opened eyed meditation. If you find it hard to meditate, this is a great way to get into it. Activities like this help to slow your brain and give it a rest and let’s face it everyone’s brain needs a day off.

Dump your Brain

Grab a pen and some paper and write down everything that is on your mind. You could carry the list around all day (as a to-do list) or keep it at home. I have a separate notebook I carry in my handbag that I use to brain dump. I find it very helpful when everything is out of my brain and on paper. I also write how I am feeling. I normally use one world – frustrated, happy, heavy, light, loud. Whatever fits in that day.

Spend five minutes outside

Take your tea on a walk! Put your favorite brew in your favorite keep cup and go outside. If you work in an office environment this is especially important. Spending time outside helps to release stress, increase blood flow and improve happiness. Read all about why being outside is good for you here.

Create a daily affirmation and then repeat it.

A daily affirmation can be anything you want it to be. Here are some examples:

•  My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.
•  I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.
• I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.
•  I am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends.
• My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.

Create your own and then repeat it at least five times with a cup of tea in hand. We often are what we think so repeating affirmations can help them come to life.

Let us know if you put any of these into practice. Our mission is to help everyone live life on purpose rather than by accident through the joy of whole leaf tea. Follow us this year on our mission to spread this message and help everyone slow down and live life on purpose.

Written by Sophie from eteaket xx