I have to start this article by saying that I absolutely love coffee, love the taste and love the smell.
However, drinking coffee can definitely make you feel more stressed and sending the wrong message to your nervous system, making it more alert, even in times when you don’t need to be (which is almost always).
When you are experiencing chronic stress or anxiety, coffee is on the top of the list of the things you need to cut down. Of course, you can enjoy a cup from time to time, but it’s better to avoid it on a regular basis, especially in the morning on an empty stomach.
So I found really nice alternatives to coffee, bringing you energy as well, but in a more soothing and calming way ✨.
Green Matcha
Green Matcha is my absolute number one when I want to feel energized, without the intensity of regular coffee.
It has many health benefits (antioxidant, rich in fiber and chlorophyll, boosts the immune system, etc.) and is known to soothe the mind, relax the body and help with concentration.
I usually use green matcha powder in hot water with plant milk (oat, nut, soy, etc.).
But you can also buy it in tea bags.
Tea
The closest molecule in terms of effect and body reaction, to coffee, is theine.
I usually drink green tea more than black or white tea.
Its strong antioxidant properties are good for your skin, heart and overall health and mind.
Here is one of my favorites : Bali, by Dammann Frères
I will go for black tea when I really need an instant boost and don’t want to drink coffee. I usually drink it in the afternoon though, some time after lunch cause I feel it’s still a bit strong in the morning.
You can also incorporate a tea meditation in your routine, which will turn out to be a great way to meditate daily.
Rooibos
Rooibos is a herbal tea, so without theine.
It is made out of a plant called “Rooibos bush”, mainly present in South Africa. This beverage has been consumed for years by the locals, but has spread out across the world only a few years ago.
You can drink it from morning to evening, because it won’t affect your sleep in any way.
Its red-ish color makes it vibrant and fun and its antioxidant properties help for your overall health.
I personally find it very soothing and calming. I like drinking it at the end of the day or before or after meditating.
My personal favorite is the Rooibos, by Yogi Tea.
Homemade Ginger Tea
When I feel like I am in a low energy phase, or my body is going through a cleansing phase, I like to prepare myself a batch of homemade ginger tea.
It’s extremely good for your health, and very easy to make. You will only need fresh ginger, water and a saucepan.
Here’s the recipe :
1- Put water in a pot and put it on highest heat for it to boil (the water will reduce during the process, so make sure to put a lot of it)
2- Cut your ginger root into small cubes
3- Put them in boiling water and then reduce the heat to medium
4- Let it simmer 30 to 40 minutes minimum
It’s ready !
I usually add honey when I drink it and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add sage to it for a super detoxifying mix, putting it at the same time than the ginger. I really love the taste, but bear in mind that sage has a very particular taste, so make sure you like it before adding to the tea.
Till next time .. ☀️🍵