The clock strikes 5, it’s officially the end of another hectic week, and all we think about is unwinding. Movies, shows, and music enhance the experience, but there is no better accompaniment to getting in the groove than indulging in a beverage. Specifically, one that promotes relaxation.
The good news is, no matter what your preferences for relaxation, there is a beverage out there for you. This article highlights a few of the best relaxing drinks to consume when you need some ‘me’ time.
1. Aromatherapy Through Tea
One type of drink known for its relaxing properties is tea. Tea has been used for centuries to help people calm down and reduce stress. Green tea, in particular, contains theanine, an amino acid shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
The theanine in green tea increases alpha waves in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Theanine also increases the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Chamomile tea is an herbal tea that is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. Chamomile tea contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific receptors in the brain, promoting sleep and relaxation. It also contains glycine, an amino acid that acts as a mild sedative.
Lavender tea is made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant. Lavender contains linalool, a terpene that has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It also contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Leaves of the peppermint plant are used to make peppermint tea. It has a refreshing, minty flavor and is known for its ability to soothe the digestive system. It also has menthol, which has a cooling effect on the body and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Valerian root tea is made from the dried roots of the valerian plant. It has a distinct earthy flavor and is known for its sedative properties. Valerian root contains valerenic acid, which interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Each type of tea has its own unique flavor and smell, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing drink. Adding CBD powder to tea enhances its calming effects. If you’re considering adding CBD to your tea, check out the water soluble CBD powder price.
2. The Health Benefits of Red Wine
Red wine is a popular alcoholic beverage that is known for its ability to help people relax and unwind. There are several reasons why red wine is considered to be a relaxing drink, including its scientific, physiological, and mental health benefits.
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound in red wine found in the grape skin. This antioxidant has a number of health benefits, including fighting inflammation and improving heart health. It induces a relaxing effect on the body by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Red wine also has physiological benefits that help to promote relaxation. When consumed in moderation, red wine helps to lower blood pressure and stress levels. This is because red wine contains alcohol, which has a sedative effect on the nervous system. This sedative effect helps to calm the body and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
The act of drinking red wine itself can also help to boost relaxation. Drinking red wine can be a social activity that helps to eliminate feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being. It also helps to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
It is important to note that while red wine has many benefits, it should always be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much red wine may have negative effects on health, including increasing the risk of liver disease and certain types of cancer.
3. Perfectly Calming Herbal Beverages
Herbs have been used for centuries to create relaxing drinks that help people unwind and reduce stress. Here are some types of herbs that may be used to make a relaxing drink and the scientific reasons behind their calming effects.
Lemon balm is a citrus-scented herb traditionally used to promote relaxation and decrease stress. It has rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and support relaxation.
Passionflower is an herb used by cultures around the world to encourage relaxation and lower anxiety. It contains flavonoids and alkaloids, which create a sedative effect on the nervous system.
Kava is an herb that is commonly used in the South Pacific to create a relaxing drink. It contains kavalactones, which also reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
These herbs are often available in powdered form to easily dissolve into any drink.
4. Refreshing Fermented Drinks
Fermented drinks, such as kombucha and kefir, have become increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits. In addition to being good for gut health, these drinks also promote relaxation and diminish stress.
Fermented drinks are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. Probiotics have been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and aid in relaxation by influencing the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Fermented drinks contain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and bolsters relaxation. GABA calms the nervous system and moderates feelings of stress.
Fermented drinks also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation in the body, which contributes to stress and anxiety.
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being, and fermented drinks keep the body hydrated. Drinking enough fluids regulates mood and lowers stress.
Fermentation improves digestion, which may have a positive impact on overall health and well-being. When the digestive system is functioning properly, the body is better able to absorb essential nutrients, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
5. Enjoying a Hot Chocolate
Winter is nearly upon us, and it is prime time to stock up on hot chocolate supplies. It also makes another excellent option for a relaxing drink at the end of a long day.
Hot chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants that decrease inflammation and improve mood. These flavonoids are found in cocoa and reduce stress while promoting relaxation.
Hot chocolate also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is important for the production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter regulates mood and promotes relaxation. Tryptophan improves sleep quality, which is essential for relaxation and stress reduction.
The warmth of hot chocolate provides a sense of rest. Drinking a warm beverage increases blood flow and promotes relaxation in the body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.
The magnesium in hot chocolate provides an essential mineral. It’s important for regulating nerve function and thus helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Make Relaxing Drinks a Habit
Consuming relaxing drinks has a significant positive impact on overall health and well-being, including mental health. Drinking tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, water, red wine, CBD-infused drinks, herbal drinks, fermented drinks, or ashwagandha drinks can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
By incorporating these drinks into daily routines, individuals can enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits they provide. Whether consumed alone or as part of a social gathering, relaxing drinks have the power to improve quality of life, leading to a more balanced, healthy, and enjoyable existence.
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