How do you wake up in the mornings? Do you frantically start the day by pressing the snooze button fourteen times until you're really late? Does your coffee buzz wear off eventually causing you a midday mental breakdown? Me too!

I used to sit at the table zombie-like, until I had my first cup of coffee. If I didn't have my coffee, life was basically over.

Then one day I discovered a substance/ritual so life changing I had to sit down and write about it: loose tea.I know what you're thinking, “this writer has lost it.” I, too, thought I may had lost it. My first test of my loose tea theory started on a dreaded Monday morning.

Here is my theory. If I wake up early, start my tea kettle, stuff my heart-shaped infuser with fresh loose tea--I just might feel better throughout the day. I was so right.

1. Morning Rituals Ease Stress

There’s something so calming about making fresh tea in the morning. Making coffee super quick may wake you up, but having a calming routine will ease stress.

2. Treating Yourself Has Positive Effects

Sure, you could hop in your car and go get Starbucks. BUT. If you can take time out of your morning to do the whole routine, you’ll feel better.

3. OPTIONS. SO MANY OPTIONS

Go to your local health or bulk store. Look at all the loose tea options they have!! It’s basically never ending. You could try a new tea each day and never run out of options.

4. You’ll feel fancier

Cup of tea in the morning in a china cup makes you fancy! Guzzling iced coffee out of a plastic cup, or sipping fresh tea on a calm morning? See it already sounds fancier.

5. Reap More Benefits

You can purchase tea for any ailments you may have (lack of sleep, energy, digestive issues, etc.) You can have a fun morning drink, and it help you to be well. What could be better?!

6. Cut That Sugar and Dairy!

Skin problems are often a result of sugar and dairy. If you want to clear up your skin, try tea. Not only do I drink the tea, but I also use it as a mask after steeping. And what better to use as a face mask then actual leaves from the earth!

7. *Doesn’t rely on caffeine to be alive*

This is a hard one for some people. I have found that waking up early and taking time just to chill wakes me up more than coffee. By drinking tea, I can go through my day without feeling dehydrated, crashing around 3 pm and craving caffeine.

I was an avid coffee drinker before I tested my theory. After giving it a fair chance, I really do feel better throughout the day. While I know this article alone may not change any opinions, I do hope you’ll give my theory a shot!