Turn Anxiety into Excitement: A Simple Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Let’s get real: we’ve all been there—those moments when anxiety hits hard right before something big. Whether it’s giving a presentation, meeting someone new, or just stepping outside your comfort zone, anxiety can creep up and make you feel all kinds of tense. Your natural instinct might be to calm down, but guess what? That approach can sometimes backfire.

At Babooshy Tea, we believe in flipping the script, especially when it comes to anxiety. Let’s introduce you to a little life-changing concept called anxiety reappraisal, backed by none other than Harvard research. And yes, we’ve got a tea ritual to pair with it because every mindset shift is better with a delicious brew.

What Is Anxiety Reappraisal?

According to Harvard Business School professor Allison Wood Brooks, trying to move from a state of anxiety (high energy) to calmness (low energy) is actually counterproductive. Your body’s already amped up—heart racing, alert, and ready to roll—so trying to shut it all down isn’t easy. Instead of forcing yourself to calm down, anxiety reappraisal encourages you to reframe that anxious energy as excitement.

Why? Because anxiety and excitement share similar physical reactions. You feel jittery, your heart’s pumping, and your mind’s racing. Sound familiar? That’s why it’s way easier to shift your mindset from "I’m anxious" to "I’m excited!" rather than trying to go from anxious to calm. In fact, Brooks’ research shows that people who use anxiety reappraisal perform better in stressful situations, whether it’s a big presentation or a challenging task.

Next time you’re feeling that surge of nerves, don’t tell yourself to calm down. Instead, embrace it, and say, “I’m excited for this opportunity!” It’s a simple trick that can turn anxiety from a roadblock into a boost of positive energy.

Tea Ritual for Anxiety Reappraisal

Of course, what’s a mindset shift without the right tea to pair with it? At Babooshy Tea, we believe in making even the most hectic moments feel like self-care with a calming yet empowering tea ritual.

Here’s how to create your perfect anxiety reappraisal tea ritual:

1. Set the Mood: Light a candle, find a cozy spot, and take a deep breath. Before you dive into reframing your anxiety, set the tone for a few minutes of reflection and focus.
   
   
2. Brew a Cup of EmpowerMint: This blend, featuring peppermint and spearmint, is perfect for soothing the nervous system. Peppermint is known for its ability to reduce tension, while spearmint promotes mental clarity. Together, they help balance the body while keeping you alert—an ideal combo when you need to transform anxiety into excitement.
   
   
3. Practice Positive Self-Talk: While your tea steeps, take a moment to mentally prepare. Instead of thinking, “I’m nervous,” shift your focus to something more positive, like “I’m ready for this,” or “This is exciting!” Repeating these affirmations helps lock in the anxiety reappraisal mindset.
   
   
4. Sip with Intention: As you enjoy your EmpowerMint tea, visualize the energy in your body shifting from anxious to excited. Feel that nervous tension melt into readiness for whatever lies ahead.

Add Some Sunshine to Your Day

For those moments when you need an extra boost of positivity, we recommend trying Babooshy’s Blue Sunshine Blend. It’s a vibrant mix that includes butterfly pea flower and calming lavender—ingredients that help you feel uplifted and centered. Butterfly pea flower is known for its calming effects, while lavender promotes relaxation, making it a perfect partner when you’re gearing up to turn anxiety into excitement.

Enjoy Blue Sunshine as part of your daily ritual or before a big moment where you need an extra dose of confidence.

Why This Matters

Embracing anxiety reappraisal isn’t just about performing better under pressure—it’s about changing the way you see those high-energy moments. Instead of viewing anxiety as something that holds you back, see it as a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and stepping into new opportunities. And let’s be real, doing that with a delicious cup of Babooshy Tea in hand just makes everything sweeter.

So, the next time those nerves hit, remember: anxiety is your body’s way of getting you ready. All you have to do is shift your perspective, brew your favorite Babooshy blend, and turn those jitters into excitement.

Ready to try it? Brew a cup of EmpowerMint or Blue Sunshine today, and take your anxiety from "uh-oh" to "let’s go!" Don’t forget to hit follow for more sips, stories, and tea rituals that make every moment a little more magical.

Sources:

1. Allison Wood Brooks, PhD – Research on Anxiety Reappraisal
   Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu
2. Journal of Experimental Psychology – Studies on Anxiety Reappraisal and Performance
   American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/xge
3. Peppermint and Spearmint for Stress Relief – Research on the calming effects of mint
   National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov
4. Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits – Herbal uses and calming properties
   Journal of Medicinal Plant Research: https://academicjournals.org
5. Lavender for Anxiety and Relaxation – Effects on nervous system and mental health
   National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov