The New Year, with its promise of a healthier, happier you, signifies turning over a new leaf and kicking old habits. Although these changes may seem challenging, there are a few small steps that you can take to help you in the right direction.

For those who want to exercise more

For those who are looking to get healthy in the new year, a green tea is an excellent choice, full of antioxidants. A green tea that is infused with a fresh and zesty ingredient like lemon and warm notes of honey is a great option to start with.

For those who want to cut down on sweets

The New Year resolution most people tend to make– especially after the indulgence and excesses of the holiday season – is to lose weight and get fitter and stronger. While there is no substitute for eating healthy, and nutritious meals, there are a few tricks to help you along the way. Sipping on a dessert-flavoured tisane, like a rich, fruity strudel, that gives you the goodness of warm apples and caramel without adding to the calories, is especially satisfying.

For those who want to work hard, party harder

If your resolution for the New Year is to be more social and party harder, it helps to have a favourite cocktail to get you in the spirit. A tea-infused drink is sophisticated and delicious — dip a vibrant, invigorating citrusy tisane teabag in some Roku Gin to know what we’re talking about.

For those who want to spend more time with people that matter

Slowing down and being present is a resolution that resonates with many in this fast-paced era. One way to accomplish this is to take time out of your daily routine to sit down over a cup of tea with a friend. Tea is acatalystfor having a truly meaningful conversation andyou can’t go wrong with a rich, strong cup of Earl Grey that is fragrant with bergamot oil and citrus.

For those who want to read more books

View this post on Instagram

#Repost ⠀ Koffie Cha Lush Cookies Recipe Below by @passionateaboutbaking ⠀ ・・・⠀ “You know if there's even a hint of coffee, it has my heart! This Koffie-Cha Lush tisane was absolute love at first 'whiff'! That good.⠀ .⠀ With notes of coffee and chocolate, then deeper ones of blackberry, it made the best shortbread ever. Simple, buttery, addictive good. The butter and brown sugar lent butterscotch notes to the bake.⠀ ⠀ Great served with a Koffie-Cha Lush brew with a dash of demerera. ⠀ ⠀ Recipe below ↓⠀ Koffie-Cha Lush Tea Cookies⠀ 115g unsalted butter ⠀ 75g brown sugar⠀ Pinch salt⠀ 75g plain flour ⠀ 50g quinoa flour⠀ 15g cornflour ⠀ 2 tsps Koffie-Cha Lush Tisane⠀ Pinch salt⠀ ⠀ Preheat oven to 160C. Line two cookie sheets with baking parchment.⠀ Heat the butter with the brown sugar and 'tea leaves' until sugar is melted, then cool.⠀ Whisk the butter in a stand mixer until smooth.⠀ Fold in all three flours and bring together gently to form a cookie dough. Don't overwork or the shortbread will be tough. Add a little more flour if required, or a splash of milk in case the dough doesn't come together easily.⠀ Divide into two, wrap in cling wrap and chill for 30 minutes in case the weather is warm.⠀ On a lightly floured surface, roll to a 1/4" thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters.⠀ Bake for 20-25 mins until lightly coloured and firm to touch.⠀ Cool completely. Store in an airtight box.⠀ Makes approx 1 1/2 dozen cookies.⠀ ⠀ #thehillcarttales #koffiechalush #Recipe

A post shared by The Hillcart Tales (@thehillcarttales) on

Tea and books go hand in hand, and one way to really settle in for a long reading session is to have a hot cup of tea on hand. One with a fresh, invigorating flavour, is a good place to start.

For those who want to sleep more

Getting a full night’s sleep is imperative to leading a productive, happy life. If self-care is your New Year’s resolution, slowing down and indulging in yourself a little is the best way. Sometimes, a night time ritual of sipping on a cup of soothing, floral chamomile tea, that does not contain any caffeine, is just what you need.

For those who want to travel more

When you’re on the move, and so much around you is new, it helps to have a constant, like a selection of your favourite mellow, calming green teas to keep you company in an unfamiliar place. After a day of sightseeing, there really is nothing as relaxing as kicking off your shoes, and settling in for a quiet cup of tea, in the comfort of your hotel room.

 

Whatever your resolution may be, there is a tea to help you reach your goals. With a warm (or chilled!) cup of tea in your hand, the world is truly your oyster.