Tea – Tornados – Thunderstorms

5 Tips To Make The Most Downtime

Seems yesterday I over did it with a bit more tea consumption that I normally do. I had lots of iced tea and even more hot tea. I held a puerh drinking marathon where I tried three very delicious puerh varieties from Jalam Teas. The idea in itself isn’t a bad one but recently I was diagnosed with having an ulcer. Too much caffeine is not recommended in such cases. However, sometimes with my over zealous personality I over do things, I am still working on moderation. Often when I am feeling great I push my boundaries too hard and end up in not so great situations. However, I try my best to learn from my mistakes and make sure I don’t repeat them.

I’ll share quickly my thoughts on what I drank below. The teas are truly a mention. I am still recalling the flavors from memory. I will then cover some great ways to take advantage of a “down” day. Something I am in desperate need of today.
Jalam Teas

After sampling these three amazing teas I can now see why so many people rave about this company.  I enjoyed them all but some more than others.  Above is my listed order of preference.  Overall I tasted the classic earthy flavors you would come to except.  I also got an amazing depth in flavor and a bit of a mineral taste.  My favorite part of the Pulang was the lingering sweetness.  However, the Zhang Lang took the prize when I got to the third infusion. The depth and complexity was off the charts.  You’ll just have to experience it yourself.

Jalam Teas really hit all the right spots yesterday.  I love drinking tea during a Spring thunderstorm and this was pure magic.  Though I could have done without the tornadoes.

After a pretty interesting tea and weather day yesterday I still don’t have Internet so I am stuck using cell service. I woke up in the middle of the night experiencing a hypoglycemic event which I was able to manage pretty quickly. What I didn’t expect was the ulcer pain in my chest and back. If that wasn’t enough my body was saying enough is enough. I am sore everywhere, my shins, calves, abs, and back are a mess. I have been so obsessed with trying to destroy some of my fitness goals that I lost sight of the importance of slowing down and listening to my body. I am hoping someone out there will read this and learn a valuable lesson just as I am learning today. Today I am not going to the gym.

5 Tips To Make The Most Downtime

1. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY – If you need a break and you are sore I suggest a nice hot bath with Epsom salt. I make my own bath salts as many of you know for iHeartTeas.com. The Epsom salts really help my muscles recover faster and it gives me a chance to loosen all those tight muscles.
2. READ – Get away from the everyday even if that means just reading a relaxing book. Something light, something that helps you unwind.
3. MUSIC – Listen to some feel good music. Whatever makes you happy. Music is amazing in that it can evoke emotions so find something that makes you feel good. I would stay away from music that makes you “shake your groove thing.” You’re supposed to be taking it easy remember.
4. REST – Lay in bed. Be lazy, watch a light movie, some TV. Don’t worry about how many calories you’ve burned or how many steps you’ve taken. Remember you haven’t given up your fitness goals you are just taking a healing break so you can back in there full of energy and ready to go.
5. ALONE TIME – This one is hard especially if you have to go to work, take care of kids (and/or hubby too in my case) but try it if you can. Doesn’t have to be all day just find random moments even if that means you have to hide in the washroom. Just don’t do that unless your child is properly cared for during your absence.

There are probably a million more ways to relax but the bottom line is when you need a break take it. A lot mor harm can come to you if you don’t and I am the perfect example of that. It doesn’t make you weaker or make you a quitter. If anything it makes you a winner to acknowledge you need a break and even smarter when you take that break. Remember, you are no good to anyone if you aren’t good to yourself.