NewsBite

How daily rituals (and a calming cuppa) can help your mental health

How daily rituals (and a calming cuppa) can help your mental health

Need peace and focus in crazy times? A new online community movement that honours rituals is showing how a range of daily cultural practices is just the tonic.

Travel writer Nina Karnikowski has found daily rituals to be essential, especially during this pandemic year. Bridget Wood Photography

The stars are just starting to fade from the sky when I pad out onto the deck, a kettle of hot water in one hand, paper bag of Chinese red tea in the other.

Lighting an incense stick, I close my eyes and take three deep breaths, then place a few dried leaves in a ceramic bowl and pour steaming water over them. I tip the earthy brew into my mouth, giving thanks to the rain, the sun and the wind that helped the camellia sinensis tea plants I’m drinking
to grow – and also to the farmers who tended and harvested them.

Loading...

Read More

Nina KarnikowskiTravel writerNina Karnikowski is a travel writer focused on sustainability, and the author of two books including Go Lightly: How to Travel Without Hurting the Planet. Connect with Nina on Twitter.

Latest In Health & wellness

Fetching latest articles

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/health-and-wellness/how-daily-rituals-and-a-calming-cuppa-can-help-your-mental-health-20201005-p5622q