Mornings hold a certain magic. The morning greet us with stillness, with soft light, with the potential to choose how our energy begins. For years, my own mornings began with coffee — bold, intense & demanding attention. Then I began practicing yoga and slowly, something shifted. The way I moved, breathed, even sipped…. became intentional. And that’s when I started noticing that not all beverages land in the body the same way.
Green tea, black tea, and coffee — three familiar friends, yet each brings a different kind of energy. Each one either supports presence or pulls me away from it. This isn’t a scientific breakdown. It’s simply my lived experience, as a yogi, tuning into what nourishes me beyond taste.
☘️ Green Tea: The Quiet Companion
Green tea feels like a whisper. It never rushes me. The moment I sip it, there’s a softness that follows — not dull, but gentle. There’s energy, yes, but it unfolds like a slow sunrise, never a jolt.
What I love most is how it supports my practice. Whether I’m meditating or just journaling in silence, green tea holds space with me. It doesn’t spike my thoughts or make my hands jitter. It offers clarity, not chaos. In Ayurveda, green tea is considered cooling, light, and sattvic — all qualities I’ve come to value more with time.
Some days, especially post-practice, I’ll steep a cup and sit with it outside. No distractions, just the steam rising and the breath steady. It’s not just a drink. It’s part of my mindfulness.
🫖 Black Tea: Rooted and Reflective
Black tea holds weight — in the best way. It feels traditional, familiar, like something passed down. It reminds me of rainy afternoons and quiet kitchen chats. There’s a certain grounding to black tea, especially when paired with spices like ginger or cardamom.
It wakes me up, yes, but not in the overpowering way coffee can. It feels balanced — like the friend who gets you out of bed but doesn’t drag you into a frenzy[1]. On days when I need a bit more presence in my body — maybe I feel spacey or emotionally off — black tea brings me back down to earth.
What I’ve come to realize is that black tea has a personality. It’s a bit more commanding than green tea, but still has the grace to listen. I reach for it when I want a little fire in my system, but not the whole bonfire.
☕ Coffee: The Powerful Trickster
Coffee is complicated for me. It used to be a non-negotiable part of my day — a ritual, a reward, even a lifeline. I loved the smell, the taste, the spark. But I also began noticing its shadow side.
It gave me energy, yes, but it wasn’t clean energy. It was edge. My thoughts would speed up, but not always in the direction I wanted. I’d feel productive, but not peaceful. Over time, I saw how coffee pulled me away from the present. It pushed me into overdrive — a mode that yoga had gently taught me to let go of.
Now, I treat coffee like I treat fire. Powerful, sacred, but to be handled with care. If I’m exhausted and tempted to use coffee as a crutch, I pause. I ask, “What do I actually need right now?” And most days, the answer isn’t caffeine. It’s rest, breath, water, or quiet.
🧘♀️ The Final Sip
So which one wins — green tea, black tea, or coffee?
None. And all.
It’s not a competition. It’s a practice — of listening to your body, your mood, your moment. Some mornings call for the softness of green tea. Others for the grounded strength of black. And sometimes, if I’ve slept deeply and I’m feeling fiery, even coffee has its place.
The real power is in the pause before you choose. That’s where mindfulness lives — in the space between craving and action.
So, what’s in your cup today? And is it serving your stillness — or stealing it?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many cups of green tea a day is safe?
Most experts recommend 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day for health benefits. It provides antioxidants without too much caffeine. Listen to your body — balance is key!
Can i drink green tea while fasting?
Yes, you can! Green tea is safe during fasting and may even support it by boosting metabolism and curbing hunger — just be sure to drink it plain, without sugar or milk.
Is green tea safe during pregnancy?
In moderation, yes. 1–2 cups a day is generally safe during pregnancy. Green tea contains caffeine, so keep your total intake within your doctor’s recommended limit — and always check with your healthcare provider first.
Can I drink black tea while fasting?
Yes, black tea is allowed during fasting as long as it’s plain — no milk, sugar, or sweeteners. It can help with focus and appetite control, but its stronger caffeine may affect sensitive stomachs.
Which is better, tea or coffee?
It depends on your body and goals. Tea (especially green tea) is gentler, supports calm energy, and is rich in antioxidants. Coffee offers a stronger caffeine kick but may cause jitters. Choose what aligns with your lifestyle and how you want to feel.
