Get into herbal tea with some meditation...seriously...

Ok, Ok...I know what you're thinking. What pansy ass thing is Truesdell up to now ;-)

Here's what I'm talking about. My body associates coffee and certain foods as my "get-up-and-go" stimulants. I found that when I drink tea on duty (didn't matter what kind) I got sleepy and very relaxed. Hmmmm....went my brain, and I started doing some research. Certain teas are a natural relaxant like Chamomile. But I couldn't understand why regular black tea was doing the trick in getting me to relax. It's a psychological thing really, but what would happen is that I associate tea to the more quiet moments in my life when I usually drink it like when I'm chillin' at my mom's talkng to her or when I used to (back in my days of karate) drink tea for meditation. I had trained myself back then (unaware of it though) to relax and take time to enjoy the tea and the meditation. Just think about what ever relaxes you. I'm an eccentric human being so I won't share what relaxes me so just use your preferences and go from there.

There are a lot of herbal teas out there that have many health benefits. But the trick is to relax the mind in the process of drinking the tea. For those folks who don't live in a place where you can freeze your booty off like me...iced tea may do the trick as well because it is usually refreshing.

For you die hard coffee folks...switch it up and try flavored coffees. The idea is drink something different (preferrably without caffeine) and relax your mind. Roll your neck around a few times and close your eyes. If you got a partner, have them rub the sides of your head while you relax (near the temples).

I know a lot of us have trouble getting out of "battle mode" once we get off duty. We kinda get in the habit of constantly watching our six. It's hard to turn that off, and I suggest trying some tea and some meditation. Try some martial art type moves with it which will help keep your blood flow moving as well.

We hear about keeping our bodies in shape all the time, but we sometimes forget that our mind is a part of the complete warrior which needs its conditioning and revival too.

"Is your number still 911?" - Ofc. Rachel T.