A Tea Break

“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
  ~ William Ewart Gladstone

I have found of late, that some of the simplest pleasures in life, bring the greatest joy, the best source of relaxation and an excellent way to soothe anxiety. Having a tea break is one of those simple pleasures. The easy rhythm of getting everything together to make a pot of tea, is relaxing in itself. Choosing the flavor you want, boiling the water, getting your tea-cup and saucer out, honey at the ready. Then finally taking your first sip of tea, the warmth flowing through your body. Somehow letting you know, all is right in your world!

On days that I am feeling especially anxious and depressed, during a migraine cycle, taking a tea break helps to focus my mind on the ritual of the process. And off of the feelings of impending doom, that comes with anxiety for me. I can feel my heartbeat slowing down, the knot in my stomach loosening. Dealing with the head pain, sensitivities to light, sound, smells, touch are in themselves, a lot to handle without worrying about having a panic attack on top of them.

The tools we find to help us through a migraine attack, don’t have to be huge, over the top actions. In fact simple is often the best, our brains during a migraine attack are already on overload. Having our migraine kit packed with comfort measures is key, when a migraine hits, the last thing you feel like doing is looking for everything!

I hope you have enjoyed taking a tea break with me, it is ever so relaxing! As I was looking for quotes to go with my blog, I ran across this short piece about Irish tea. I found it most amusing and totally correct.

“In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.

In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.
 

I liked the Irish way better.”
  ~ C.E. Murphy

I have to agree, I like the Irish way better also!

“Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.”
  ~ Bill Watterson,  Calvin and Hobbs

Live with hope,

Roni