COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the world but has definitely made us all more aware of health and the benefits of taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Along with the mess, lack of schedule, and way too much time with family, the COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of the importance of mental health, and as a mama to be, mental health is something extremely important and something to prioritize right now.
Taking time alone to be with yourself and your thoughts is a luxury to many. How can we all separate from our jobs, children, partners, parents, the list goes on for more than 30 minutes at a time in regular life let alone during a pandemic? The truth of the matter is that it is highly improbable for most of us to do so. However, that does not mean it is impossible to relax or to enjoy yourself alone. Developing habits of relaxation and meditation can vastly improve your mental health and sanity and can take less than 10 minutes. For me, drinking a cup of tea has become almost a cleansing ritual, relaxing my mind and body without making a trip to the spa or the bathtub.
A good cup of tea can do wonders for your mental and physical health! Below, I will list my favorite teas and what they do for your body and your mind. Next time you find yourself spiraling with stress, frustration, or anxiety, you know you can brew yourself a good cup of tea, close your eyes, breathe in the herbal aroma, and drift away to your relaxation spot. Not only is it good for you, it is good for baby!
- Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is an all-time favorite. Most commonly known for its calming effects and is frequently used as a sleep aid. Chamomile is well known for its calming properties, and preliminary evidence supports this. It may also help relieve premenstrual symptoms and high blood lipid, blood sugar and insulin levels.
In fact, multiple studies have examined the effects of chamomile tea or extract on sleep problems in humans. In one study of 80 postpartum women experiencing sleep issues, drinking chamomile tea for two weeks led to improved sleep quality and fewer symptoms of depression.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a spicy and flavorful drink that packs a punch of healthy, disease-fighting antioxidants.
It also helps fight inflammation and stimulates the immune system, but it’s most well known for being an effective remedy for nausea.
Studies consistently find that ginger is effective at relieving nausea, especially in early pregnancy, although it may also relieve nausea caused by cancer treatments and motion sickness.
- Sage Tea
Sage tea is an aromatic infusion made from the leaves of common sage (Salvia officinalis), an herb in the same family as mint.
Commonly used as a spice, sage also has a long history of use in alternative and traditional medicine. Notably, its tea is packed with potential health benefits — although scientific research on this drink is still in its preliminary stages.
Sage tea is well known for its medicinal properties, and scientific research has begun to support several of its health benefits, especially for brain health.
A number of test-tube, animal and human studies have shown that sage is beneficial for cognitive function, as well as potentially effective against the effects of the plaques involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, sage appears to provide cognitive benefits for healthy adults as well.
- Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood and cognitive function, but the potential benefits don’t stop there. Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability, and combining lemon balm with valerian may help relieve restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia. Additionally, if you experience frequent abdominal pain and discomfort in your first, second or third trimesters, lemon balm may have a positive effect on your digestion.
- Rooibos Tea
Last but not least is my favorite pregnancy tea.
Rooibos tea is gaining popularity as a delicious and healthy beverage. Consumed in southern Africa for centuries, it has become a beloved drink around the world. It’s a flavorful, caffeine-free alternative to black and green tea. What’s more, advocates praise rooibos for its potential health benefits, claiming that its antioxidants can protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke.
