This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TeaProudly #CollectiveBias
How has your schedule been lately? Mine is somehow a mix of overwhelming, tiring, and going stir-crazy during this long and gloomy winter. I have taken some steps to incorporate healthy, self-care habits that add space to my life. While these ideas take 10-20 minutes of my time, I’ve noticed that they significantly lighten the pressure of the rest of my day. When was the last time you took 10-20 minutes to simply rest, with no electronic distractions or to-do list writing? This week, when you feel your day getting away from you and the stress of expectations weighing on your shoulders, try one of these three ideas to add space to your life. Then, come back here and let me know if they helped you as much as they help me!
1. Meditate
I started meditating in February. I don’t know what took me so long. It has been an enormous help to my mood, patience, productivity and anxiety levels. I tried a couple of apps and found one that I really like. For 10 minutes each morning, I sit and follow a guided meditation recording. It can occasionally be hard to feel like I can justify 10 minutes of simply sitting, especially if I hit snooze too many times that morning. But every time I hear the end of the session, I open my eyes and am so glad I spent time checking in with my body and letting go of my stressed out thoughts.
Now that I’ve gotten the morning routine down, I’ve also started incorporating what I am learning throughout my day. If I’m home after a stressful day or I’m still at the office, everything feels a little overwhelming and I notice my patience running thin, I’ll even turn my app back on and let myself have a few minutes of space before I expect anything else for myself. I’ve noticed meditating before bed even helps me sleep a little better, probably because I’m not still running through the events of the day in my mind!
2. Sit Down and Simply Enjoy a Cup of Tea
I talk a lot about coffee, but I also love a quality tea. I am more likely to be drinking tea later in the day, as opposed to my morning cup of joe. Because of this, I associate tea with relaxing, decompressing and taking a moment for a treat.
I feel like good conversations are held over cups of tea. When I drink tea, I don’t want to talk about work, or bills or how well I’m sticking to my workout plans. I want to talk about life, goals, dreams and hopes. I love sitting down with a friend over a cup of tea and just getting down into the nitty gritty of what’s going on in her life.
Bigelow Tea released a new line of teas this year, called Benefits. There are 7 flavors, 6 of which are caffeine free. So you can enjoy the everyday wellness support any time of day without having to worry about being up all night.
One of my friends always has tea when I come over, and it feels luxurious pouring the tea kettle, and then plopping a sugar cube or two into a teacup. With the Cinnamon and Blackberry flavor, you can skip the sugar cubes entirely!
I recently bought the three flavors for sleep, wellness and balance. A friend of mine told me she doesn’t like lavender teas because they, “tastes like flowers.” I was excited to text her the great news that the Chamomile & Lavender Sleep Benefits flavor is absolutely delicious.
Bigelow Benefits blended and produced their teas in the USA (you know I love that), with the goal of producing exceptional flavor. I wish my local retailer had all of the flavors so I could try them all, but the ones I did were super yummy! Plus, I felt so relaxed after a few minutes of just me and my cup of tea.
3. Go for a 20 Minute Walk
It has rained almost every day for MONTHS here. All of that sitting inside can really start to get on your nerves, meaning that any other wall you hit throughout the day can feel even worse than normal. Getting outside for a 20 minute walk can make a huge impact on your mood and health.

You could even take a quick bike ride, like my cousins and I in CA this summer.
I promise you don’t need your yoga pants for a walk. In fact, if you’re sitting in your office and in your work heels, don’t worry if your sneakers are at home. Just watch your step. The next time you feel like the day is pressing in on you, take 10-20 minutes to yourself by getting outside and go for a walk in your neighborhood, near your work, or even at a local park or attraction, if you feel like putting in a little more effort.

J and I on a walk on Alki Beach in Seattle.
Sometimes I avoid getting outside because I feel like I don’t have the right clothes on, but don’t worry about that. Add space to your life by walking away from what you’re doing, breathing fresh air, and moving your body. Just remember, ignore those smart phone notifications and take this time for you! When you get back, things will be easier.
Actionable Step You Can Do Right Now: Create a “Bad Day Emergency Mug” for Yourself and for a Friend
Sometimes the best way to add joy, space, clarity or calm to your day is to start thinking about someone else. You know that girlfriend who is frazzled by her job, too? Or the one who has three kids and still manages to somehow wash her hair? (Seriously, ladies with kids, how do you do it?!) Then there’s the friend who has a sick family member but she’s trudging along with grace and some sort of super human stamina.
I am certain that we all have friends like that. We are inspired by them. We admire them. But I know that sometimes I’m guilty of not doing much more than sending good thoughts their way. One way you can show your appreciation of their friendship and all they have going on, is by making a “bad day emergency kit.” You can buy a cute or inspiring tea cup/mug, fill it with tissue paper, and load in a couple of teas.
You could also fill it to the brim with tea, and wrap the whole thing in tissue paper instead.
While you’re at it, write her a little note with a guide about how each tea can add a bit of joy and space to her busy life. Don’t you just love getting hand written notes from your friends these days?
- Ginger and Peach: Calm Stomach
- Lemon and Echinacea: Stay Well
- Chamomile and Lavender: Sleep
- Turmeric Chili Matcha Green: Refresh
- Blueberry and Aloe: Radiate Beauty
- Cinnamon and Blackberry: Balance
- Chocolate and Almond: Good Mood
You can find Bigelow Benefits Tea at grocery stores nationwide, as well as amazon! As you can see, they’re really reasonably priced, so don’t limit yourself to just one flavor. Be proactive and pick a couple of boxes that will allow you and your friend to make little changes to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you have a spare cup handy, you can even make one for yourself in anticipation of the bad day you may have in the future. Future you would thank you, when that cup of tea is ready and waiting to sip away the stress of the day. And I wish I could be there to put the tea kettle on the stove and laugh with you about all that life throws at us.
We are in this busy, chaotic world together. So let’s help each other add space to our lives. What self-care action do you take when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders?
As I was writing this post, I felt like someone here would love to win a Bad Day Emergency Kit of their own! As a result, I’m giving away a Hello Gorgeous tea mug and three packs of Bigelow Benefits Tea + a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! Use the rafflecopter below to enter.
This giveaway is run by my site alone. Bigleow and Collective Bias are not responsible for running this giveaway in any way or the prize fulfillment.
USA only. This giveaway is run by my site alone. Bigleow and Collective Bias are not responsible for the running of this giveaway in any way or the prize fulfillment. Contest will end at midnight on 04/05/2017, meaning 11:59 pm on 04/04/2017 will be your last minute to enter. Winner will need to accept the prize and provide their mailing address within 24 hours of announcement.
101 Comments
Marissa
March 27, 2017 at 6:56 amI need to do these more. I drink tea daily, but don’t take time to relax when I do.
Marissa recently posted…What to Do in Havana, Cuba
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:10 pmI know I’m guilty of grabbing and going all day long. Maybe try taking a few moments to pause with tomorrow’s tea!
Krysten
March 27, 2017 at 7:45 amOooh I need to try out that Bigelow tea, haven’t seen that packaging before!
Krysten recently posted…#AuthenticBloggers Admin Search
Courtney Buteau
March 27, 2017 at 10:00 amI’m 8 months pregnant and have really been enjoying tea more than usual since I need to drink so much. I love that you think the blackberry tea doesn’t need sugar because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and sugar is out of the mix right now. I would love to try it and sit and relax for a bit. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips! #client
Courtney Buteau recently posted…FREE Advanced Screening Passes to ‘The Boss Baby’ in Providence
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:10 pmIf you give it a try, let me know what you think! And congrats on the baby! How exciting to be 8 months pregnant :)
Natasha Botkin
March 27, 2017 at 10:53 amI just found and enjoying Buttermint tea. Thanks for a lovely sharing. Xoxo
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:10 pmOh interesting! I’ve never heard of that.
Katie
March 27, 2017 at 11:08 amI love to take a few minutes for myself with a cup of tea. It’s so comforting!
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:11 pmIt really is, Katie! I don’t know why, but I love the comfort factor!
Jamie @ The Skinny Soul
March 27, 2017 at 11:12 amI really love the “Bad Day Emergency Kit!” We are a big tea-drinking family, and you can usually find us with a fresh pot in the evening before bed. I love your idea about sharing that with a friend–it is TOTALLY the way to deal with a bad day. Nothing looks quite as bad over a cup of tea with a friend!
Jamie @ The Skinny Soul recently posted…Newbie Training For A Half Marathon: Getting Ready To Rock n Roll
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:11 pmI concur! I’m glad you like the idea. If you try it out, let me know! I’d love to hear how it goes :)
Neely Moldovan
March 27, 2017 at 11:16 amI love to enjoy a cup of tea and a book. Now I just need the time :)
Brittany
March 27, 2017 at 12:14 pmI bet that cute little man keeps you pretty busy :) I hope you get a little bit of time to yourself this week with some tea and a good book!
Rachael @ The Rachael Way
March 27, 2017 at 7:58 pmYou are soooo freaking cute! I love drinking tea. <3
Rachael @ The Rachael Way recently posted…A Weekend in Seoul
Brittany
March 28, 2017 at 8:06 amHaha thanks, girlfriend. You need to come to Seattle so we can share a long chat over some hot tea soon!!
Ali
March 28, 2017 at 7:51 amThis is awesome…I really need to start drinking more tea rather than coffee:)
Jamie
March 28, 2017 at 8:03 amI love all of these tips. Meditation + a hot cup of tea is SO soothing. I’m thinking I need to add this into my morning routine.
Brittany
March 28, 2017 at 8:05 amYou totally should, Jamie! I’d love to hear the impact it makes on the rest of your day :)
Theresa
March 28, 2017 at 9:37 amI visited the Bigelow website and read an article they linked there about the health benefits of tea. I found it very interesting that you can add green tea lukewarm to a bath to soothe a sunburn.
Theresa recently posted…Travel Trays for Car seats and Strollers! Review and Giveaway
Taylor Mobley
March 28, 2017 at 10:34 amTea is one of my favorite things when I’m feeling under the weather. I love trying different types for different remedies!
Kim K
March 28, 2017 at 11:21 amI would like to try the Blueberry and Aloe Herbal Benefit Tea.
Kim K
March 28, 2017 at 11:24 amI wake up earlier than needed so I can have some time for myself before I start my day.
ellie
March 29, 2017 at 6:58 amsitting down and enjoying a cup of tea, now that is my kind of relaxing day!
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Laura G
March 29, 2017 at 3:40 pmI could really use the Chamomile and Lavender tea for better sleep.
Laura G
March 29, 2017 at 3:41 pmI jog to add space in my life.
shannon fowler
March 29, 2017 at 7:37 pmI add space to my life by working out. Its how I do my best thinking and reflecting.
shannon fowler
March 29, 2017 at 7:38 pmIm most excited to try cinnamon blackberry or chocolate almond. Both sound amazing!
Kim O
March 30, 2017 at 6:42 amI’m most excited for ginger and peach. I’m getting into ginger flavored stuff recently
Kim O
March 30, 2017 at 6:42 ami add space to my life by taking an hour walks, lets me de stress.
Brittany
March 30, 2017 at 7:21 amWalks are so simple yet so helpful! Thanks for sharing, Kim!
Jen Dantuma
March 30, 2017 at 7:14 amChocolate and Almond tea – I’m intrigued….that’s the one I’d most like to try.
Jen Dantuma
March 30, 2017 at 7:17 amI add space to my life by getting an early start to my day. I make sure to fit in exercise each week day. I also set aside some time to read, watch my favorite YouTube vloggers, and garden.
Brittany
March 30, 2017 at 7:21 amThese are fantastic tips, Jen! Thanks for sharing! I wake up early too, but I’m not a morning person, so I just don’t speak to anyone until I’m ready :). The extra time helps a lot!
gena viggiani
March 30, 2017 at 9:52 amThe Buttermint tea sounds lovely! I really think my whole family would enjoy this flavor.
Fiona N
March 30, 2017 at 11:49 amI love Bigelow tea and I drink tea every day. I would love to try their Benefits Blueberry and Aloe Herbal Tea. It sounds great :)
Thank You for the chance!
Darlene Carbajal
March 30, 2017 at 12:28 pmI want to try ginger and peach!
Debbie F
March 30, 2017 at 1:36 pmI want to try the Chocolate and Almond! I didn’t know they even made chocolate tea! :)
thanks!
It says it’s for good mood…well yeah! of course you’re gonna be in a good mood, it’s chocolate!! :)
Debbie F
March 30, 2017 at 1:38 pmI don’t know that you’d call it “space” but I run nearly every morning. It’s my thinking time, a time to watch the sun come up, listen to great music and/or an audiobook and it makes you feel soooo good all day long!
thanks!
Angie Agerter
March 30, 2017 at 1:39 pmThese all sound amazing, truly. There is something I love about each and every single one but I think Cinnamon & Blackberry pop out the most to me.
Natalie
March 30, 2017 at 2:05 pmI add space to my life by waking up early each day and exercising first thing in the morning. It always makes me feel better.
Natalie
March 30, 2017 at 2:08 pmI am most excited to try the pomegranate iced tea and lemonade! Iced tea is huge in my family!
Donna L
March 30, 2017 at 6:29 pmI would like to try the Cinnamon and Blackberry Herbal Tea.
Donna L
March 30, 2017 at 6:33 pmI add space in my life by sitting on my back porch in the morning .
Kayla Klontz
March 30, 2017 at 9:10 pmI’d most like to try the ginger and peach tea that calms the stomach! I need something to help soothe it.
Casey Lyn
March 31, 2017 at 5:01 pmIt is so important to take time for ourselves! Many of us (especially women) tends to put everyone else first. In order to be a well rounded person we must have some special time devoted to our needs and peace of mind! Thanks for sharing :)
Casey Lyn recently posted…How to Start Seeds for Fifty Plants for Under Five Dollars!
allyson Tice
March 31, 2017 at 9:18 pmi want to try the Stay Well tea!
Sheila K.
April 1, 2017 at 4:30 amI would love to try the “Sleep” Benefits tea to help with my terrible insomnia!
Sheila K.
April 1, 2017 at 4:34 amI add space to my life by visiting new people, places, and situations through those intellectual magic carpets known as books!
Michelle J.
April 1, 2017 at 8:33 amI have to use my time efficiently to get everything done.
Gabrielly
April 1, 2017 at 8:49 amChamomile and Lavender tea for better sleep.
Gabrielly
April 1, 2017 at 8:49 amI add space to my life by working out.
deanna
April 1, 2017 at 9:54 amThe I Love Lemon® Herbal Tea sounds delicious to me. I love lemon flavors.
Steve Weber
April 1, 2017 at 10:40 amI would choose the Chamomile and Lavender tea .
Steve Weber
April 1, 2017 at 10:40 amI listen to music by myself to create space.
Dana Beeman
April 1, 2017 at 2:25 pmI’m most excited to try the Ginger and Peach Herbal Tea. It looks delicious.
Dana Beeman recently posted…50 + Giveaway Linky: Perfect for the Bride to Be!
Dana Beeman
April 1, 2017 at 2:29 pmI try to add space to my life by getting rid of things i don’t use every few months.
Dana Beeman recently posted…50 + Giveaway Linky: Perfect for the Bride to Be!
Nancy Bowers
April 1, 2017 at 4:18 pmI redecorate every month or so for the holidays or seasons to keep my home from becoming a boring place.
Cheryl B
April 1, 2017 at 5:05 pmI believe I should try The Blackberry tea. It would be a new taste for me.
Elena
April 1, 2017 at 5:57 pmI want to try the Blueberry and Aloe Herbal Benefit Tea.
accontests6
April 1, 2017 at 8:50 pmTo help relax.
Laurajj
April 1, 2017 at 8:55 pmOh I would love to first try their Benefits Ginger and Peach Herbal Tea!
Stephanie
April 2, 2017 at 4:58 ami like to try the Buttermint tea
Chrissy
April 2, 2017 at 11:49 amI’m looking forward to trying the Turmeric Chili Matcha Green Tea because I’ve heard Turmeric is amazing for you!
jenny stratton
April 2, 2017 at 12:39 pmI have problems sleeping so it would be the Sleep tea.
Dominique Cloutier
April 2, 2017 at 1:46 pmAllowing that little amount of time to yourself gives you the chance to take that minute, t hat breather, that allows you to quickly recharge and clear your mind to get ready for whatever is coming next, especially when you have kids, this is super important
Dominique Cloutier
April 2, 2017 at 1:48 pmI would love to have the Benefits Chocolate and Almond Herbal Tea daily if it meant that I got to be in a good mood! That sounds amazing!
Sarah Hayes
April 2, 2017 at 3:34 pmthe chamomile and lavender tea looks great. Id love to see if itd help me relax
Sarah Hayes
April 2, 2017 at 3:36 pmI add space by getting outside. the fresh air really helps.
Bethany Kingsley
April 2, 2017 at 8:08 pmTumeric Chili Matcha sounds amazing! Too energizing for nighttime, though.
Bethany Kingsley
April 2, 2017 at 8:08 pmEvery night, I have gingerbread tea as I put my kids to bed. I also do some sun salutation, in the morning, for myself.
Barbara Montag
April 2, 2017 at 9:38 pmIt’s very important for me to have my space.
It helps keep me centered.
thank you
Lisa Brown
April 3, 2017 at 12:09 amI like walking to add space to my life
Lisa Brown
April 3, 2017 at 12:11 amThe Benefits Chocolate and Almond Herbal Tea just sounds so good
Marija
April 3, 2017 at 6:32 amChocolate and almond sounds intriguing.
Dana Rodriguez
April 3, 2017 at 10:28 amI would love to try Balance. It just sounds delicious!
Dana Rodriguez
April 3, 2017 at 10:29 amI always try to have some me time. It feels nice to be able to collect my thoughts.
Jessica W.
April 3, 2017 at 11:08 amI’m most excited to try Benefits Cinnamon and Blackberry Herbal Tea. Just sounds interesting and tasty.
Laurajj
April 3, 2017 at 12:54 pmOne thing that I do…is we take a drive a couple times a week through an area by us where they have tons of wildlife. I love looking for the deer….last weekend we saw 109 deer! Was so amazing and so peaceful out in the middle of no where! :)
Yvonne Delgado
April 3, 2017 at 1:50 pmI am most excited to try the Benefits Lemon and Echinacea Herbal Tea. I think this would most align with my taste buds and i like the benefits of the echinacea
Yvonne Delgado
April 3, 2017 at 1:51 pmadding space in my life is important because then i leave room for that which is really important and I am not overwhelmed with my schedule
Tina W
April 3, 2017 at 4:51 pmI take care of my elderly father, which can be a bit stressful, so I think Stay Well would be great for me.
Barbara Montag
April 3, 2017 at 10:23 pmI am excited about the Benefits Turmeric Chili Matcha Green tea.
Turmeric is full of healthy benefits!
thank you
DERICKA BUCKLES
April 4, 2017 at 3:35 amSince I have many sleepless nights I’m looking forward to trying the Chamomile and Lavender Tea. I bet it taste great!
Chrissy
April 4, 2017 at 5:04 amNow that I have a child it’s even more important I’ve found to step away from all of the craziness every so often. I am very fortunate in that my husband is super involved and once a week he makes it a priority to relieve me of “mom duties” for at least an hour so I can just be me and relax with a book, or planner, etc. It definitely helps me be a better mom the rest of the time!
Rebecca W
April 4, 2017 at 6:49 amI would like to try the Sleep tea. I like to have a cup of warm tea before bed, and it would be great if it would help me sleep more soundly.
Nicole Lancaster
April 4, 2017 at 7:56 amI would most like to try the Benefits Ginger and Peach herbal tea for a calm stomach from Bigelow Tea.
Sarah Mayer
April 4, 2017 at 8:16 amI would love to try the Buttermint variety.
Sarah Mayer
April 4, 2017 at 8:17 amAdding space my life is important because I’m constantly working and juggling being a parent at the same time.
Tammy Iler
April 4, 2017 at 9:22 amI like the chamomile tea!
shelly peterson
April 4, 2017 at 9:38 amI want to try the Chamomile and Lavender tea to help me sleep better.
Leah Shumack
April 4, 2017 at 11:23 amI add space into my life because I’m a single mom and I need to find time for me in there too!
Leah Shumack
April 4, 2017 at 11:24 amI would love to try their Blackberry tea!
Laura
April 4, 2017 at 5:13 pmI’m most excited to try the Balance Cinnamon and Blackberry tea!
Laura
April 4, 2017 at 5:14 pmIt’s important for me to add space to my life because my life is busy and chaotic. It’s good to take a breather sometimes.
Jennifer H.
April 4, 2017 at 5:47 pmI would like to try the Benefits Ginger and Peach Herbal Tea.
Jennifer H.
April 4, 2017 at 5:49 pmI would say make a plan for some time for your space.
John H.
April 4, 2017 at 6:20 pmI would choose the Benefits Lemon and Echinacea Herbal Tea
John H.
April 4, 2017 at 6:28 pmI think that it’s important to add space.
Lesley F
April 4, 2017 at 6:44 pmI need me time also and like to take a cup of tea outside on my deck and read a book in peace :)
Lesley F
April 4, 2017 at 6:45 pmOne of the benefits of Chamomile and Lavender Herbal Tea helps you sleep.
Ireon Williams
April 4, 2017 at 9:05 pmI drink tea everyday at work and home helps me to relax the buttermilk tea sounds awesome!