I genuinely believe there are fewer things better at putting your mind at ease than a cup of tea. I drink tea throughout my work day, but my evening tea sessions are what I look forward to the most. This is merely because I know it offers more peaceful moments as it is never rushed. Preparing and sipping tea is an act of relaxation itself, but there are many other ways to use the popular beverage when you want to unwind and relieve stress. These tea infused ideas are also simple self-care practices that are an excellent addition to any evening routine. Next time you want to relax with tea, consider implementing these ways to enhance your tranquil moments.

How to Relax with Tea (aside from just drinking it!)

Tea-Infused Face Masks

If I’m in the mood for an at-home spa day, face masks are the first things I reach for! I find face masks in general to be quite relaxing, partly because it encourages you to be patient waiting for it to set before washing or peeling off. I also love how most face masks instantly make my skin feel so fresh. Whether I make my own tea masks or other tea infused beauty product, adding tea improves the experience because of the aroma and health properties for the skin.

If you’re looking for a tea infused face mask recommendation, I recently tried and fell in love with a couple of the tea face mask that Selia & Co. created. I have their Peppermint & Green Tea Face Mask and their Rose & Rooibos Tea Face Mask. The latter is my favourite. They are both powder face masks made with gentle clay and other natural ingredients. The peppermint one includes matcha green tea and is more of a re-energizing face mask with a refreshing aroma. The rose one includes rooibos and is for exfoliating with a soft floral aroma. They also offer a black tea face mask that promotes healing.

Tea Facial Steams

Just like warm water opens up delicate tea leaves, warm steam can open up pores. Add a few nutrient-rich plants in the warm steam, and even better for your skin to absorb. I’m sometimes in the habit of feeling the soothing steam from my teacup as my morning tea steeps, simply because I find steam to be calming, connecting me to my surroundings. If you’re the same, then tea facial steams may be right up your alley!

When it comes to actual tea facial steams, you’re infusing tea and herbs in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes and then creating a tent with a towel over your head to steam for 5-8 minutes.

Benefits of Tea Facial Steams

This can slightly vary depending on the tea/herbs used, but here are a few:

• Softens and cleanses the skin by drawing out buildup
• Hydrates the skin
• Boosts circulation
• …and, of course, promotes relaxation!

You can make your own tea facial steams or you can also find blends that were curated just for this relaxation method. Most of the tea facial steams I have found are just herbal, like this one, but you can also find a jasmine green tea facial steam.

Tea Bath

When thinking of an evening unwinding, sometimes a warm, soothing bath can come to mind. Since tea is like a bath for your insides, why not bathe in it, too? It might sound silly at first, but a tea bath is another simple way to have an at-home spa day. It can soothe sore muscles, promote good sleep, and healthy skin. Similar to the tea facial steam, a tea bath requires you to fill a bath tub with warm water and in the process, infuse an tea bath blend. A tea bath blend can usually consist of Epsom salt and/or baking soda with dried tea and therapeutic herbs.

Again, you can easily try a DIY tea bath, or find some in stores. Tea bath bombs are neat, too!

Tea Meditation

When the above three relax with tea methods are said and done, there is one more that can be implemented. Tea meditation can be a practice for many and it is a lot simpler than it may seem. In fact, there is a chance that many are already practicing this meditation act without even realizing it.

Tea meditation is about a lot more than just taking sips of your tea. It all begins with selecting out your tea and teaware, and putting the kettle on. The moments in between preparing your tea are small windows of opportunity for relaxation. For example, as you wait for your kettle to sing, sit and practice a short breathing meditation. Place one hand above your chest and the other on your stomach. Listening to the faint whistles of your kettle, inhale and exhale, observing your breathing until it is time to turn the kettle off. With your full attention, then you can proceed to make your cup of tea.

For the full experience, check out this tea meditation guide.

Treat yourself to one or all of these relaxing techniques that involve tea. You deserve it!

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How else do you use tea to relax? Share your ideas in the comments below!