There are many things to like about green tea. It can cause you to feel better physically, relax, and may even improve your mood. These are the reasons why some people wonder if it is a psychoactive substance or not. Keep reading for information on what psychoactive means, how green tea can help your body, and if it is psychoactive or not.
What Is Psychoactive?
The term psychoactive simply means something that has the ability to change the way you feel. You might think that all substances that are psychoactive should be avoided, but this isn’t true. Illicit drugs are considered psychoactive, but beverages that contain alcohol and prescription pain medicines are also on this list. Moreover, coffee and tea can be psychoactive. Of course, this does not mean that something like tea will make you feel the same way that an illegal drug will. In the case of green tea, it can make your brain feel better in a calming way, which may be beneficial to your health. Check out this article for more information on how green tea may help your health.
Some people want to take multiple psychoactive substances because they like the way they make them feel or because they are attempting to escape from certain aspects of their lives. If you feel like you may have a substance abuse problem or want to find an escape from your life, you might want to seek out professional help. When you work with a therapist, they may be able to offer you more effective ways to deal with the situations that are bothering you and equip you with the tools you need to stop using psychoactive substances. This article is a great read if you are interested in therapy. Keep in mind that all psychoactive substances do not have the same negative connotation, so you don’t have to be ashamed if you like to drink coffee or tea, provided that you don’t have a dependency on these drinks.
Psychoactive Ingredients In Tea
Much like coffee, tea contains caffeine, although in smaller amounts than in coffee. Caffeine is a substance that can change the way your brain operates. It can keep you from feeling tired and allow you to be alert. This might make it seem like you have more energy and are able to get more accomplished. Another ingredient in tea, known as theanine, or L-theanine, is thought to be able to relax you and keep you alert. It is not widely known how this chemical accomplishes this, but people who drink tea are certain that it makes them feel alert but also calm in many cases. If you find yourself unable to focus and concentrate often, you might want to reach for green tea to see if it may be able to improve these things for you.
Is It Okay To Drink Green Tea?
If you want to, you should drink green tea. There are many health benefits that have been studied, and people across the world drink green tea for a number of different reasons. Besides that, it is thought to be able to provide a defense against cancer and other diseases, which is beneficial to pretty much anyone. Since it can help you stay alert and be better able to use your brain, it may be instrumental in the development of a cure for Alzheimer’s or other conditions that affect the brain. There are plenty of reasons to drink green tea, but you may just drink it for the taste as well. Figure out what works for you and see how it makes you feel. If the tea perks you up and allows you to get through your workday or chores, then you are feeling its psychoactive properties, which are providing you with the boost you need. This is fine.
Other Ways To Stay Alert
If you count on tea or caffeine to help you stay alert, there are a few other things you can try as well.
Move Around When You Need To
When you are feeling sluggish and need to wake up your brain a bit, you might need to get your blood pumping. Get up and walk around for a minute, or you may want to do a few push-ups or run in place for around a minute or so. This may be all it takes to keep you on task.
Take Breaks
Any time you are facing a long project or have been working for multiple hours at a desk, it can be helpful to give yourself a break. Go to the bathroom or grab a bottle of water every few hours. Not only will this give you a short chance to relax your mind, but it may also keep you from feeling muscle aches and eye strain when sitting in the same position for too long or staring at a screen for too many hours.
Refuel Your Body
If you are feeling less than ideal, you may need a snack. Try to pick up something healthy like a piece of fruit, a bowl of oatmeal, or a peanut butter sandwich. These are quick snacks that can add nutrition to your diet and won’t leave you feeling lethargic after you eat them.
Experience Natural Lighting
You should also take note of how long you have been indoors. At times, the body needs to be exposed to natural lighting. If it is possible for you to take a break from your work or routine to go outside and just enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes, take advantage of it. Sunshine can give you a boost of Vitamin D, and the fresh air might be good for your lungs as well.
Green Tea Is Psychoactive And That’s Okay
Green tea can be considered a psychoactive substance, but this isn’t a reason to steer clear of it. In the case of green tea, the psychoactive properties are a good thing and might be able to improve your health and mental focus. Remember this when you are enjoying a cup. You can also incorporate these other focus techniques into your life if the tea by itself isn’t helping you concentrate.
About the Author
Marie Miguel
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest in and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a Japanese green tea enthusiast, a writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company. His passion for introducing America to the tea of his homeland was the catalyst for creating the only company that brings high-quality tea from Arahataen Green Tea Farms to the rest of the world. Learn more about Kei