Sip Tea. Be Happy

Our guide to boosting your mood with tea.

PC: Tea Hive

Meet the Happy Chemicals in your Brain

dopamine is the fast acting- feel good sensation, that motivates us to create habits. When we accomplishing your goals and achieve our desires we are rewarded with pleasure thanks to this brain chemical.

oxytocin is the type of pleasure you feel from healthy relationships and social connection, physical contact, and gift-giving/receiving.

serotonin is the type of happiness you experience when you feel significant or important. Helping others or accomplishing important tasks will release serotonin.

ENDORPHIN is the positive sensation you feel from exercise, the cause of the infamous ‘runner’s high’. Deep belly laughs also release endorphins.

Benefits of Being Happy

• lower blood pressure & heart rate
• better heart health
• increased immunity & healing
• experience less stress & pain
• live longer
• sleep better
• improved digestion & metabolism

Building a Habit of Happiness

Put some tea in a thermos and head outside for a walk. Exercise releases endorphins that improves your overall sense of well-being and reduces anxiety.

Τreat someone to a cup. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you help others releases serotonin which makes you happy AND improves digestion, bone growth, and organ development.

Sip tea in good company. Positive social interactions release oxytocin which improves the immune system. Physical contact is a major oxytocin booster so follow that cuppa with a hug!

Set attainable goals, like… finishing that bag of tea you’ve had for ages. Accomplishing your goals triggers the release of dopamine, the fast acting- feel good sensation, that helps us to create habits.

Practice Meditation, Mindfulness, & Gratitude during Tea Time. Studies show practicing these techniques will strengthen the parts of your brain wired for happiness and shrink the parts that manage fear,anxiety, and stress responses.

Fake it ’till you make it. Studies show the act of smiling may actually make you happier.

Happy Teas Start with These Ingredients

SAFFRON is high in antioxidants and contains chemicals that improve mood, fight depression, irritability & anxiety. It’s anti-inflammatory and studies suggest it even improves brain function and memory.

CITRUS Not only is the scent of citrus mood- boosting but the high levels of Vit C & B, as well as zinc and magnesium are key soldiers in the quest for bliss. Vit C is essential for your brain to create dopamine & serotonin and B vitamins help to regulate them. Magnesium is powerful for fighting stress, depression, & anxiety.

TURMERIC is beloved for its anti-inflammatory benefits. By reducing chronic inflammation turmeric encourages the production of melatonin and seratonin. Turmeric stimulates the production of new brain cells and relieves stress and brain fog.

GINGER contains the same chemical that is responsible for the incredible health benefits of Turmeric, curcumin. Plus its zingy flavor is invigorating and stimulating for the whole body, mood included.

GINSENG is an adaptogen, meaning it regulates stress and supports the adrenal system. It also contains mood boosting properties, regulates serotonin levels, improves brain function & memory, and increases overall energy.

CHOCOLATE triggers the production of endorphins, and contains both mood boosting flavonoids, and tryptophan which produces serotonin. Dark chocolate is better than milk for soaking up all these mood boosting benefits.

BERRIES contain mood boosting flavonoids and Vit C which is essential for the production of both dopamine and serotonin.

ROSE this aroma triggers the release of serotonin in your brain.

LAVENDER is soothing to your nerves and its scent, in particular, encourages your brain to produce endorphins.

VANILLA triggers the release of endorphins in your brain.

PUERH contains GABA a chemical that reduces stress, and since it is a fermented tea also contains probiotics which supports gut health. Balanced and diverse gut flora reduce stress hormone levels in the body and fight chronic inflammation which contributes to depression. And since 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, a healthy gut is one of the keys to happiness.

ROOIBOS is high in antioxidants (actually more than green tea) which are good for your body and contains chemicals that support and improve brain function.

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