Woman enjoying tea while working on a laptop, surrounded by autumn decor and a cozy atmosphere

The 20-Minute Mid-Day Ritual to Brighten Your Back-to-Routine Blues

THE BACK-TO-ROUTINE BLUES

As summer fades and September rolls in, the return to our daily routines can feel overwhelming. The easygoing days of late summer are replaced with packed schedules, endless to-do lists, and a feeling of being constantly on the go. It’s no wonder so many of us feel a dip in our energy and mood.

But you don’t have to let the back-to-routine blues get you down. A short, intentional break can be a game-changer for your mental clarity and emotional well-being. By taking just 20 minutes in the middle of your day, you can hit the reset button, find your focus, and feel ready to tackle the rest of the day with renewed energy.

Woman working on a laptop outdoors with a cat by her side by window filled with plants.

YOUR 20-MINUTE MID-DAY RESET RITUAL

This simple routine is designed to help you de-stress and refocus, no matter how chaotic your day is. The key is to commit to it fully, even for just a few minutes.

MINUTES 1–5: PAUSE AND BREATHE

Step away from your desk or workspace. Find a quiet spot, whether it's a window, a comfortable chair, or even just stepping outside for a moment. Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. This simple exercise calms your nervous system and signals to your brain that it’s time to relax.

Woman sitting peacefully with eyes closed, practicing mindfulness and meditation in natural light.

MINUTES 5–10: BREW YOUR TEA

It’s time to hydrate and refresh. Our choice for a mid-day reset? A cooling Iced Water Lily Tea. The beautiful Water Lily has been traditionally used to soothe the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.

(Reference: Studies on Nymphaea alba and other related species often highlight their calming properties. For instance, research in traditional medicine suggests their use for sedative effects. You can find related academic papers on platforms like PubMed by searching for "Nymphaea anxiolytic properties.")

Mala Tara Water Lily Tea next to a cup and teapot, styled on a mat with a calming aesthetic.

To make your iced tea:

  • Place 2–3 of our whole dried Water Lily blossoms in a glass.
  • Pour about 8 oz of hot water over the flowers.
  • Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes, watching the petals unfurl and the water turn a beautiful, light golden hue.
  • Once steeped, add ice cubes to quickly cool the tea and enjoy.

MINUTES 10–20: SIP AND REFLECT

With your refreshing tea in hand, find a comfortable seat. Don’t scroll through your phone or check emails. Instead, focus on the present moment. Take a slow, mindful sip of your tea. Notice the subtle, earthy flavor and the delicate fragrance. Use this time to simply be. You can try a short meditation, listen to a calming playlist, or just look out the window and appreciate the world outside. This is your time, and your time alone.

Woman enjoying tea while working on a laptop, surrounded by autumn decor and a cozy atmosphere

WHY WATER LILY TEA IS YOUR PERFECT MID-DAY PARTNER

While many of us reach for a caffeinated drink to beat the afternoon slump, that can often lead to a caffeine crash later. Water Lily Tea, however, is a naturally caffeine-free way to soothe your system. It helps calm feelings of anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of clarity without the stimulating effects of caffeine. It’s the perfect, gentle boost to carry you through the rest of your day.

Ready to start your own ritual? Shop Water Lily Tea

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