Heather Evans Editorial

Oh, hi 2018.

It’s that time of year again where we all inevitably feel a little low.

Our hopes and efforts of being the better versions of ourselves have wilted like dry flowers as we except that it is a struggle for a tiger as fabulous as we to change their stripes. We are back to our usual routines after the festivities of Christmas, which means back to our day jobs, and it all seems a little bit, well, sad. Hello my long but not forgotten friend – normality.

However, it feels that this year it has been made more difficult. It seems we are not just disappointed with ourselves and our failed resolutions but downhearted in the dumps with illness. Me included.

You’ve probably heard that this flu going around is the worst one since 2014-2015 and, from first hand experience, it is a toughie. Colleagues and comrades were waving their white flags as they surrendered to the waves of sickness and the office felt like a deserted war zone. C’mon, we’re already coping with ‘Blue Monday’, why does 2018 need to give us a bed sentence too?

Although I wanted to go down with my ship and not surrender, I couldn’t be as strong as Dido. I took two days off, resting and staying hydrated with some loving remedies. If you need some inspiration for some beverages to make you feel more blushed than blue, here are some of my recommendations!

Lemon and Ginger Tea

Forget about Lemsip, you cannot dispute the magical powers of Lemon and Ginger. This couple are an absolute powerhouse when it comes down to the task at hand – sorting out those snuffles. It has been proven that it boosts your immune system from future illness, improves cognition function, kick starts your metabolism, benefits your skin and hair, and helps ease nausea. Plus, it tastes pretty great.

Chai Tea

For those who don’t know what ‘Chai’ really is, it’s a black tea that has herbs and spices blended within it that tastes bangin’. It has been praised in India for centuries for its ability to restore your peace of mind and health, however each of its components contribute to its almighty power. Black tea is full of antioxidants, cardamom detoxifies the body, cinnamon helps your digestion, fennel contains vitamin C, cloves are an analgesic and good ole’ ginger helps with our immune system. I prefer mine without milk, but if you desire you can have it either way.

Chamomile and Honey Tea

Aaaah. Chamomile is great because its has numerous energy providers to help you combat your illness, but chamomile and honey together means you’ll be getting all the rest. Honey releases serotonin, the happy hormones, and chamomile has sedative effects which means you can sleep off your cold until recovery. Be right back…. *zzzzzzzz*

Peppermint Tea

Sometimes it isn’t all about the sniffles. Peppermint tea is also known as ‘the stomach healer’ as it eases stomach ache, cramps, heartburn and indigestion. So, it basically is a tummy rub in a mug.

And, finally…

Hot Chocolate

Right, okay. It may not strictly help you feel better medically, but I find having a warming mug of chocolate does make you feel better regardless of whether there are any ‘benefits’. Maybe not if you’re feeling sicky sick. Maybe stick to tea in that case. But, when you do feel better, I would recommend treating yourself. My favourite is Whittard‘s Rocky Road Hot Chocolate. It is decadent and, with the cherries and biscuity flavours, you cannot go wrong.

There you go. There are some drinks to help you get going again.

Nonetheless, although I will preach the perks of beverages to my grave, sometimes to feel better you simply need to take a break. I went to Brighton, or more specifically Worthing, last weekend and it was exactly what I needed. A break from the city. The smell of unpolluted, salty, fresh air. The sight and sound of the sea from a pier. And, of course, my highlight was going to a gorgeous cafe.

In Worthing, they have a cinema called The Dome, which was built in 1911, and it has kept all of it integrity and fittings of the time. It is like walking into the past and, if you ever get the chance, you should definitely go. However, next door they have these adorable, quirky tearooms and instead of talking about it I’ll just show you the pictures I took. It was the cup of tea I needed to beat the blues.

Anyway, I hope we all get through January with warm bellies and less illness. We can get through this guys. February is on the horizon, and then we can be sick with Valentines Day.

Happy drinking,

Hev xo