From Caffeine to Chamomile: Drinks That Boost Energy and Calm Anxiety

What if you could start your day with a drink that energizes you without the jitters? The key lies in choosing the right beverage.

When we’re feeling thirsty or fatigued, we often reach for an energy drink or a cup of coffee. While these drinks provide a quick energy boost, they can leave us feeling drained shortly after. Quenching thirst and fueling energy are two distinct needs, yet we often confuse the two. Take coffee, for example — a double shot of espresso may jumpstart your day, but the feeling it gives you can be worlds apart from the calming comfort of chamomile tea.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of drinks that offer both energy and relaxation, from caffeine-rich options to calming herbal teas. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an evening unwind, we’ve got the perfect beverage for every moment. Let’s dive into the world of energizing drinks and soothing teas that match your needs, no matter the time of day.

How Drinks Influence Energy and Anxiety

It is surprising how not just the food but also the beverages we consume significantly impact our bodies. Hydration is essential, and a slight change in your hydration levels might affect your mood and energy levels. But the kind of drink you choose to hydrate with matters.

Take coffee and other caffeine-laced beverages, for example. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that boosts energy. It activates the central nervous system, promoting focus and alertness.

Conversely, certain herbal teas contain compounds like L-theanine or apigenin, which are known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Understanding this impact helps us make informed choices based on what our body needs at that particular moment – a boost or a calming beverage.

Read More: Avoid the Mid-Day Slump with These Energy-Boosting Snacks

Energizing Drinks That Provide a Boost

Coffee: A classic drink to boost energy, coffee is a top favorite among many. Its moderate to high caffeine content helps you become more focused and energetic. Remember to opt for black coffee with no sugar or stevia to avoid sugar crashes during the day.

Yerba Mate: This traditional South American drink is a natural source of caffeine and is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. It improves clarity and focus and gives sustained energy without impacting the mood. Additionally, yerba mate improves immune health and reduces inflammation with compounds like saponins and polyphenols.

Consider incorporating ingredients like spinach or chia seeds for added nutrients to make your smoothies even more powerful. These smoothies energize and help the body adapt to stress effectively, making them a great choice for a busy lifestyle.

Anxiety-Calming Beverages for Relaxation

Drinks that calm your anxiety are as crucial as energy-boosting drinks. Try blending one drink for yourself after a hectic day. We have a perfect list of anxiety-calming beverages as well as energy-boosting drinks. Here are a few of the best ones:

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is a popular drink that calms anxiety. It is one of the best herbal teas for relaxation because it contains apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain and promotes sleep. Overall, it is a good choice to reduce anxiety.

To prepare chamomile tea, steep chamomile flowers or tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes. Then, enjoy it warm.

Ashwagandha Latte: Another herbal tea for anxiety relief is the ashwagandha latte. This adaptogen drink is a great choice to reduce stress hormone cortisol levels. You can opt for this drink to calm anxiety any time during the day. Blend ashwagandha powder with warm milk and a touch of honey. You can also add cinnamon to improve the taste. Ashwagandha has numerous benefits. Read More: Five ashwagandha benefits for women.

Golden Milk: Turmeric latte has gained popularity and is considered one of the best drinks to relieve anxiety and stress. This warm milk infused with turmeric and spices is a comforting choice when you are tired or need to relax. This is due to turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting effects. Combine turmeric with milk, black pepper, and a sweetener; bring to a boil and enjoy warm. Read more about the benefits of turmeric milk.

Lemon Balm Tea: If you want a quick drink to calm anxiety, try lemon balm tea. Brew this herbal tea for anxiety relief and enjoy it sip by sip in the evening to unwind. To prepare, steep lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and pour into a cup. Now, you can enjoy its mild, citrusy flavor.

Adaptogen Smoothies: Adaptogens such as maca or ashwagandha are nutrient-packed. Blend them with fruits to boost their nutritive value. Maca, a Peruvian root, enhances stamina and supports hormonal balance. Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and promotes mental clarity and strength. You can add almond milk or coconut water to enhance hydration and provide essential electrolytes.

Combining Energy and Calm: Dual-Purpose Drinks

Sometimes, you need a drink that does double duty. We understand the need, and here is a list of drinks that boost energy and calm anxiety rolled into one.

Green Tea: Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and gives a gentle caffeine boost, which is less intense than coffee. You will have sustained energy without the jitters. However, more than energy, it is preferred for its anxiety-calming benefits. It is a great source of L-theanine, a perfect choice to promote relaxation. According to various studies, green tea also supports heart health.

Matcha Tea: Matcha tea is a powdered green tea that relieves stress and provides a gentle boost in energy. Its caffeine is balanced by L-theanine, which makes it a perfect choice for sustained focus without anxiety seeping in. Learn more about the benefits of matcha tea here.

To prepare this:

• Whisk matcha powder with a little warm water until creamy.
• You can add warm milk to make a latte.
• Or add to smoothies.

Cacao Drinks: Opt for natural cacao when you feel anxious and tired. It is rich in flavonoids and enhances your mood. The best part is that natural cacao drinks can give you mild stimulation without overwhelming your system. Cacao is a good source of magnesium, which helps with muscle relaxation and reduces stress. This nourishing blend is a perfect way to center yourself before a busy day. Prepare it mindfully, and enjoy it as part of a calming morning ritual.

To prepare this:

• Heat a mix of water and your favorite plant-based milk until warm.
• Blend or whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cacao with a sweetener like maple syrup or honey and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Pour into a mug, and enjoy this smooth drink to calm anxiety.

Chai: Spiced tea is a great choice for anxiety relief and a very popular energy-boosting drink globally. Its perfect balance of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves gives it the required energy boost, while the milk adds a soothing touch. Chai’s aroma stimulates the senses and also aids digestion.

To prepare this:

• Brew black tea leaves in hot water.
• Add powdered or whole spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
• Add milk and a sweetener of your choice, then let it simmer for 7-10 minutes.
• Now strain the concoction in a cup using a tea strainer, and enjoy it hot.

Drinks to Avoid: Make The Right Choice

We must understand what we sip—being mindful of maintaining the right balance between drinks that give energy and drinks that calm anxiety is crucial.

Here are a few drinks to avoid:

• Sugary drinks spike sugar levels despite providing energy only for a short while, followed by a slump.
• Sodas and energy drinks that have excess sugar can lead to a high risk of diabetes and tooth decay.  These drinks also disturb your gut health and lead to mood swings.
• Heavily caffeinated drinks or excessive coffee can cause stress and sleep disorders.

Remember, moderation is the key, and you must not consume more than 2-3 cups daily. Opt for matcha or herbal teas instead.

Choose balanced, nutrient-rich beverages, and read the labels to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

What we choose to drink is more than just the taste. It is a key to supporting our energy and well-being. From green tea, which offers sustained energy, to chamomile tea’s calming properties, or even matcha tea’s dual-purpose power, we can select the best one that suits our needs. Listen to your body and understand its cues to make the right choice.

Another important aspect is to maintain balance. The way to go is to have a balanced intake of beverages while avoiding overreliance on sugary drinks or too much caffeine. Small, meaningful changes help shape your health and maintain energy while keeping anxiety at bay.

Ready to take your daily routine to the next level? Then, choose at least one new beverage each week from the list and feel the difference. A calm mind, healthy body, and optimum energy levels are a perfect combination. Start to pour healthy, as this is an excellent way to start feeling your best. Take the first sip to good health and well-being!