Steam and Solace

She cradled the mug of rooibos tea, letting the warmth seep into her palms. Rooibos tea contains antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin, which have been linked to reduced oxidative stress and improved cardiovascular health (McKay and Blumberg 625).

Drinking warm beverages also promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower stress and improve mood (Kiecolt-Glaser et al. 729). Each sip became a moment of care, a deliberate act of slowing down.

Works Cited (MLA)
Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., et al. “Psychoneuroimmunology and the Influence of Stress on Health.” Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 53, 2002, pp. 601–630.
McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.