You will see that this is a different kind of post. Software Development in particular can be very stressful, especially when you are working in a startup environment.
Often we developers use a pick me up. Or a booster. However you want to call your cup(s) of Joe coffee.
I don’t have to tell you that studies have shown that caffeine from coffee has a more nervous kind of energy. It gives you a short burst of energy and after that it leaves you in a slope worse than you were before.
On the other hand is e.g. the indian Chai Tea. Or correctly: Masala Chai.
It´s based on a black tea, which gives a less initial boost but a calm energy boost throughout the day. If you find yourself getting nervous or jittery from coffee, it might be time to experiment with a Chai Tea. Maybe you can remove a stressor at your work, enjoy a calmer mind and feel less exhausted after your work.
As I mentioned is Masala Chai a Tea based on black tea (leaves or bags). You add spices in the combination and amounts you prefer and sweeten it to your taste.
Personally I love Masala Chai. It helps me strongly to keep more calm and be less reactive. My evenings are more calm and I have less problems with the quality and amount of sleep. Additionally some of the spices help with other things too. If you´re interested I added a link to Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Tumeric in the sources.
The Recipe I´m personally using:
1 tablespoon powdered tumeric
1/2 tablespoon powdered ginger
1/2 tablespoon powdered clove
1 tablespoon powdered star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
1/3 tablespoon powdered black pepper
8-9 cardamom pods, smashed
2 bags black tea
2 tablespoons honey for sweetening
4 cups of water
Milk to taste
I´m using a rice cooker for cooking my chai tea. It’s easy and convenient. But you can you a normal pot too.
- Add the spices to the pot and heat them. Don´t let them burn, but let them give some nice fragrance. It smells and tastes better.
- When the spices smell more intensive, add the tea bags and water. Also add the honey (or your replacement) to sweeten it.
- Bring it to a boil and let it boil for up to 5 minutes (depends on your taste).
- After the boiling time remove the black tea.
- If your want to have a more intense flavour let it simmer after removing the black tea but keeping the spices in. In India chai tea can simmer for hours, so you could even prepare it the night before and let it steep over night.
- When you got your desired flavour profile add the milk and let it simmer. Personally I bring it to a short boil once more and then turn off the rice cooker. Letting the remaining heat do it´s magic.
- Use a mesh to filter out the spices when pouring your cup of Masala Chai.
This is for a hot cup. You can easily turn it into an iced version. Just let it simmer for longer to give it a stronger taste and pour it over some ice cubes.
I highly recommend you to try it out and feel the difference.
Let me know how it works for you.
Best,
Frank
Source:
https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-masala-chai-tea-165369
