As part of a wellness-forward lifestyle, you may be used to rounding out your day with a hearty workout. That routine should include plenty of health-promoting habits for staying grounded and energized throughout the day, and when it’s time, to doze off easily and wake up rested.
For many, this might seem like a tall order. We often feel like there’s one too many thing on our plate, which triggers stress responses and makes us feel off-kilter. The last thing you want, though, is to just be going through the motions just to get by. Routine and habit are everything, and including tea in that routine can help get you to a better place, and feeling good about it.
What does our body need before a workout? Fuel and energy are the stars of the show here. And what does our body need to promote recovery after a workout? Hydration and rest, says the Cleveland Clinic. There’s also the habit-stacking factor; science shows we’re more likely to engage in a certain behavior that we want to do but might have trouble with (like exercise) if we combine it with an enjoyable indulgence (in this case, delicious tea). Here are six ideas for helping get you there:
Pre-Workout
In addition to carbohydrates and fat, caffeine is one of the main elements needed to get you going before that dance cardio glass or Pilates session. Any green or black tea will deliver on this one, but a good cup of Matcha is an obvious choice. However, sometimes just a zingy-tasting tea with some added sweetener for an energy boost will also do the trick if you’re trying to avoid caffeine. Whatever your preference, these options have you covered.
Green Tea
What better than Heavenly Tea Leaves’ Organic Ginger Lemon Green blend to get the party started? As the obvious choice, green tea has a ton of benefits and is known, thanks to naturally occurring caffeine, to be a reliable and steady source of energy, sans the jitters. Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory, too.
Moringa
You may never have heard of this ayurvedic powerhouse, but it’s ready to help you out before your next workout. Moringa leaves come from a plant known as the "Miracle Tree," a nutrient-dense superfood that increases mental energy and clarity, contains anti-microbial properties, and plenty more. Balance out the grassiness by drinking it iced with a bit of energy-rich sweetener to get the most out of your brew before hitting the gym.
Ginger Tea
If caffeine isn’t your jam but you’re still looking for a lively tea, organic Lemon Ginger is the key. The zing in this blend is simply undeniable, and will get your mind (and taste buds) ready for that workout—which we all know is half the battle. Plus, ginger is great for digestion and stomach relief, so you won’t feel bloated while doing those sit-ups.
Post-Workout (Recovery)
After a stressful (in a good way) sweat session, tea can help you cool off—both literally, if you drink it iced using a cold brew method prior, or you can slow your heart rate and stabilize your body. According to GoodRX, tea can “replenish your energy and restore your muscles after exercise . . . [It is] rich in polyphenols, which work against oxidative stress that contributes to disease, muscle damage, and inflammation.” While almost any tea will do the trick, we’ve picked a few that will go the extra mile in this department.
Oolong
If your workouts leave you with some discomfort in your muscles and possibly inflamed, nature’s answer lies in oolong tea. Oolong, a mildly caffeinated semi-oxidized tea, is thought to help keep inflammation at bay, balancing your metabolism, and relaxation—all the recovery mainstays.
White Tea
The Organic White Peach blend, is a delicate and floral tea with a touch of peachiness for some excitement. Containing minimal caffeine that will keep you from crashing if you’re a morning exerciser, this tea—a relative of the stronger traditional green tea—is both gentle and tasty.
Herbal Tea
Did somebody say come-down? Organic Refresh is the blend to look for when you want to unwind but also feel rejuvenated as opposed to just drowsy. With ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus and orange peel, this naturally caffeine-free tea delivers on taste as much as it does on its name.
While wellness can come to us in many forms, it’s no doubt that exercise is not only an encouraging element—it’s critical. In order to support this routine and get the most of our movement, use tea as a tasty tool, both pre and post, and watch your body flourish!
