Don't you sometimes feel like you need a pick-me-up during your day? That's totally normal, and one great way to get energized is with tea! Not only can it improve mental focus and alertness, some teas even have health benefits that go beyond just being energizing. With so many options out there, it can be hard to find the right tea for you - luckily we've done the research and rounded up five of our top recommendations for energy and focus boosting teas. Find out which ones are below!

1. Kava Tea

Kava tea has been consumed for generations due to its capacity to increase mental clarity and a sense of well-being. It is believed that kavalactones, the active molecules in kava, interact with the brain to alleviate anxiety and boost mood. This can result in improved energy and concentration, as one is able to think more clearly and experience greater motivation. Shot of Joy's Kratom & Kava Shot combines these two potent botanicals to create an efficient and unique energy supplement. The combination of kratom and kava is intended to deliver a balanced increase in energy and concentration without the negative side effects commonly associated with standard stimulants such as coffee. Shot of Joy's Kratom & Kava Shot is an excellent choice whether you're seeking a natural alternative to caffeine or simply need a surge of energy to help you power through the day.

Have any questions about  the natural energy supplement kava? Get in touch today! 

2. Black Tea

Black tea is a traditional morning energizer for a reason. This tea usually contains around half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, making it one of the most caffeinated types of tea. There are a range of options for invigorating black teas, including breakfast blends such as English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast, as well as flavored blends such as Masala Chai and Vanilla Velvet. Black tea can be consumed alone or with milk and sugar for a traditional English cup.

3. Matcha Tea

Green tea leaves cultivated in the shade are grounded into a powder to create matcha. Traditionally, matcha is prepared by mixing the powder with hot water in a bowl, but it can also be added to smoothies, lattes, and baked goods. Because matcha is made by swallowing the complete tea leaf as opposed to a tea infusion, it includes a higher concentration of the many healthy and stimulating qualities of green tea. Matcha is especially rich in caffeine, having nearly as much as coffee. The shading process also increases the quantities of caffeine and l-theanine in the tea, resulting in an invigorating, stimulating beverage that is supposed to promote clarity and concentration.

Related Link: 5 Natural Energy Boosters: Find Sustained Energy Here

4. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a popular beverage in South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Mate is created from the leaves of a holly plant species. Despite not being related to tea, yerba mate contains caffeine and is renowned for its stimulating benefits. Traditionally, mate is produced in a hollow gourd and consumed with a bombilla, a filtered straw, but it can also be served in a mug or cup. Many individuals perceive mate's caffeine, also known as matteine, differently than they do other beverages' caffeine. Mate consumers frequently report a sustained invigorating feeling, devoid of the jitters and nausea that can accompany excessive coffee consumption.

Related Link: 5 Best Kratom for Energy and Motivation

5. Peppermint Tea

Although peppermint does not contain caffeine, it can be an energetic and stimulating addition to both herbal and caffeinated teas. Peppermint has been demonstrated to promote physical activity and cognitive performance by activating the central nervous system, decreasing discomfort, and enhancing focus. Peppermint can be drank alone as a light and pleasant herbal tea, or it can be added to a number of blends for an invigorating, minty impact.

Preparing Tea

Whether you prefer herbal, black, or green tea varieties, preparing the perfect cup is easy with a few tips and tricks! Brewing your own tea is an art form that requires a little bit of patience and experimentation to master. 

The Temperature Matters 

When it comes to making tea, temperature is key. Different types of teas require different water temperatures for steeping. Generally speaking, herbal teas should be brewed at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (or 100 degrees Celsius). Green teas are best prepared with slightly cooler water—around 170-185 degrees Fahrenheit (or 77-85 degrees Celsius). Black teas should be steeped in hot water between 195-212 degrees Fahrenheit (or 90-100 degrees Celsius). For a quick reference guide to water temperatures, check out our blog post on brewing temperatures here. 

Time It Right 

Steeping time also varies depending on the type of tea you’re making. Herbal teas typically steep for 4-7 minutes; green teas for 3-4 minutes; and black teas for 3-5 minutes. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer to measure water temperature, one trick is to bring the water to a boil then let it sit for 1 minute before pouring over your tea leaves or bagged tea. This will usually give you a good starting point for temperature and time when brewing your tea.  

Experiment With Ingredients   

If plain tea isn’t quite flavorful enough for your taste buds, there are plenty of ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor without adding calories or sugar! Lemon juice adds natural sweetness while ginger root adds zesty spice notes and turmeric helps balance out any bitterness in stronger coffees or teas. You can even try adding cinnamon sticks or nutmeg to give your beverage an extra boost of flavor! And if you’re looking for some added health benefits, try adding honey or chamomile flowers for their anti-inflammatory properties.     

 There are many different types of herbs and spices available today so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your favorite flavor profile!  

Are you interested in trying the herbal supplement kava? Checkout our collection of kava products. 

Drinking Tea for Energy and Focus

Now that you know the 5 best teas for energy and focus, it’s time to put them into action. If you need a little help getting started, checkout our blog at Shot of Joy. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about Kratom & Kava and how they can help improve your focus and cognitive function.