Productivi”tea”
Do you ever have those days where you are struggling to focus and need to find the perfect cup of tea to help get you through? I certainly do, and have some go-to teas when I need that extra concentration boost. Keep reading to see my top 5 “Need to Focus” teas!
About this Post
I often find myself drawn towards certain teas when I have specific tasks I need to work on, or I want an extra boost of concentration power. There’s something about having one of these teas next to me that gives me the extra focus that I need.
While I naturally gravitate towards black teas, I was introduced to another type of tea when I worked at a tea shop called maté (also called yerba mate or mate). This tea has now become one of my top choices when I’m struggling to focus or need that extra dose of energy.
Maté
Traditionally drunk from a round cup called a gourd, maté is made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant indigenous to South America, particularly found in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Dried yerba mate leaves are added to the gourd and hot water is poured on top and left to steep. A metal straw with a built-in filter at the end is traditionally used to sip the tea.
Although maté does contain some caffeine, it is not the main component. Rather, this tea is composed of several natural ingredients that act as stimulants, including caffeine. What this means when you drink a cup of maté is that you will find your energy lasts longer, without the typical “caffeine crash” that can come with drinking too much coffee. In my experience, one cup of maté can get me through several hours of focused work without feeling absolutely drained by the end. It really does work wonders!
Maté also naturally contains several antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, giving this tea an extra health benefit in addition to providing you with some focus power. Check out the list below to see some matés that you can try for yourself!
A quick note – you’ll only see pictures of three teas on the blog, as I am currently out of the other two (although I have been drinking other matés that unfortunately are no longer available to buy – perks of having my own tea shop in my home). I’ve included links for all five teas below, so you can easily purchase them for yourself!
My Top 5 Teas for Focus and Concentration
Tea 1 – The Buzz (DavidsTea)
There is a reason lemon water is a popular choice in the morning to jump-start your day. Personally, I find that a cold glass of lemon water is a great way to wake me up and help me get started on the day ahead. This maté builds upon this concept, adding citrus with ginger, maté and green tea to create a delicious energy boosting cup of focus. The spice of the ginger along with the zesty lemon is the perfect combination for this maté and always gives me that concentration boost I am looking for.
Tea 2 – Electric Lemonade (DavidsTea)
Another maté, I actually prefer this tea iced. This tangy tea packs a punch, both in flavour and in energy! The maté gives just the boost you need to finish that report or get through a long afternoon. I like to drink this tea when I feel like I need a distinctive boost of energy, as the tanginess of this tea really hits you the minute you sip it. One sip will wake you up, and drinking an entire cup will be sure to keep you going long into the day!
Tea 3 – Jumpy Monkey (DavidsTea)
This was the first maté I ever tried and boy was I hooked. Chocolate, almonds AND the perfect energy boost courtesy of the maté? Sign me up! This tea also contains coffee beans, which I happen to really like the smell of. Together, these ingredients create a wonderfully aromatic and energy boosting blend that is the perfect cup of tea to start your afternoon or evening. I drank this tea a lot as a student, whether it was to help me focus while studying or writing a report. It will do wonders for your ability to concentrate!
Tea 4 – North African Mint (DavidsTea)
The story behind this tea is by far my favourite. My partner gave it to me as a surprise gift (while I was in the store with him!). He mentioned I should go look around to see what I liked, while unbeknownst to me, he was talking to a tea guide to prepare it for me. It’s now not only my favourite green tea, it’s also one of my overall favourite teas (which is saying a lot for someone who didn’t use to like green tea very much). The mint is combined with cardamom and ginger, which gives this tea the spicy flavour that I find perfect for focusing. Unlike most green teas, I find I can let this tea steep for much longer which allows the cardamom and ginger to become more robust. These spices combined with the mint make for just the energy boost you need!
Tea 5 – New Monk’s Blend (Ochadô)
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one black tea! This is probably my favourite black tea, an earl grey with hints of vanilla that always gives me that extra boost. I could drink this tea every day – it’s that good. I discovered this tea company, a brother and sister duo, in a farmer’s market and I haven’t looked back! I’ve since tried several of their teas – enough for another post (be sure to keep an eye out!).
Note: This particular tea is not available on the website, however if you reach out to the company (the contact information is found on their website) and ask for this particular tea, you will be able to buy it!
I hope these teas give you the focus you’re looking for!
*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links and/or product advertisements I provide at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this blog afloat. Thanks for your support.
