National Hot Tea Month
by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy)

Nearly 5,000 years ago, the wind blew some leaves into a pot of boiling water, and the world’s been drinking hot tea ever since. With over 20,000 types of tea in the world, there’s sure to be at least one you’ll enjoy.

January is Hot Tea Month. You would think, with my refocus on #writingandtea I would have known this, you know, like four weeks ago. But, nope.

I wasn’t that clever.

I am, now, though. Know why? Because drinking hot tea daily boosts brain power. #truestory. You know what else it does? I’m so glad you asked:

• Black tea can improve cholesterol and promote better digestive health.
• With a multitude of fruity blends, herbal teas are known to soothe moods, increase energy, and start or end the day on a good note (especially with a good book!).
• Green teas can increase healthy heart function and prevent heart-related problems like hypertension and high blood pressure.
• Antioxidants are plentiful in tea. These little plant-based molecules help your body regulate and manage good health, while doing their best to prevent bad health.
• Local honey or a dash of cinnamon not only adds more flavor to tea, but helps boost immune systems.

I’m more of a movie- or TV-watcher, if we’re being honest (and we are. Aren’t we?) but since I was blessed with an abundance of tea-themed gifts at Christmas, I find that a good cup of tea requires a good book for full effect.

Molly Jo’s Journals: Life to the Full

My favorite books to read while drinking tea:

• The Bible. Current favorites are NIV, Celebrate Recovery, and the C.S. Lewis Bible
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor
• The Collected Short Stories of Louis L’Amour
• Patrick Bower series by Steven James
• anything by C.S. Lewis, William Shakespeare, or Charles Dickens

And this year, my goal is to read (and by read, I mean, also own) all the Harry Potter books, and perhaps a new tea cup with each one. Blimey, that’s a good goal!

There’s something delightfully calming about taking time to breathe in, savor a sip, and exhale. Only to repeat again. And again. With each intentional moment, I let go of stress, reflect on the day, muse about my characters. Heck.

Even the budget is less taxing with a cup of tea. (See what I did there?) 

There’s also something magical about pairing the tea with a treat, either savory or sweet. My daughter loves making lavender shortbread cookies for her guests:

Hannah’s Honey Lavender Shortbread Cookies (click here to download PDF)

And, I’d love to write more, but I’m trying something new: Keeping my posts under 500 words. You have no idea how hard this is for me… [Note to Self: Just because the title and bio/sign-off don’t count, doesn’t mean I can add easter egg notes there. Or can I?]

Your Turn Tuesday:
What favorite activities are made better with a cup of hot tea?

Come alive, stay wild, and savor the journey!

Author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA, Molly Jo Realy is an award-winning writer and author coach. She likes smiling. Smiling’s her favorite. She encourages people to embrace their unique talents to come alive and stay wild every day. Addicted to cats, coffee, pens, and planners, in no particular order. Savor the journey, y’all.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more fun!

BTW: At the end of each post, I will share social media or marketing links, like this: 

Y’all. If you have not experienced NOLA on Audible, you’re missing out! Hear Elizabeth Walker’s narration as she gives voice to the characters, and resounds the life of New Orleans. (Fun Fact: I auditioned many narrators for NOLA. Not only did Lizzie nail the characters immediately, I also picked her because her name is the same as that of a character in a favorite movie: The Village, by M.  Night Shyamalan.)
Click here to get NOLA on Audible.