We're at the end of 2019, which means it's time to start looking forward to the New Year. And what better way to get motivated towards a better you than tea? If you love tea as much as we do, probably not much! So let's get started with some easy ways to use tea to help you reach some common New Year's resolutions.

1. Exercise more

Want to go to the gym more, but just don't have the energy? Try drinking tea! With a gentler boost and fall than energy drinks and coffee, tea is a great way to get through the workday with energy to spare. Combine it with some of our metabolism-boosting teas and you'll be well on your way to a healthier physique. Or, if you just need some motivation, try using tea as a nice treat for a job well done. Lower in calories and with just as much flavor as a donut or cookie, it's a great substitute for those sweeter rewards.

2. Save money

Coffee is expensive. Stopping into your favorite coffee shop can run you anywhere from a couple of bucks to over five dollars every day. To put that into perspective, that could be $1,825 dollars. A year. By comparison, loose leaf teas can be as low as 10 cents a cup (most Adagio teas are under 50 cents a cup), which would be just over $100 a year even if you were drinking three cups a day (and really, who doesn't drink more than one cup of tea a day?) for a difference of around $1,715. A year. For fancier blends, pricing can get higher, but still not nearly as high as a daily trip to the drive-thru. Want to save money? Switch to tea.

3. Read more

Tea and a good book is a look as classic as toast and jam, as butter and biscuits, as...okay, well now we're hungry, but the main complaint from people who want to read more is that they don't have the time. Well, why not combine the best of both worlds and enjoy both reading and a nice hot cup? As part of your daily tea ritual, consider bringing along a book, or use your teacup as a timer. As long as there's tea in the cup (or as long as you're waiting for the kettle to whistle), you've got time to read. Reach a good spot? Well, there's always room for refills, right? Or, if you really want to treat yourself, consider doing a tea bath and read in the tub.

Bonus tip: Love to read, but always get interrupted? Let family and friends know about your new tea timer rule, and politely ask them to let you finish your cup before they interrupt. Or, better yet, invite them in and have a tea/reading party together!

4. Take more risks/be more adventurous

This one is easy! Want to try something new? We've got tons of teas to try! Whether adventuring with a bolder black or white or green tea, there are always new blends to try. Or, if you want to get really crazy, try something completely new like whisking up your first cup of matcha, adopting a tea pet, or joining one of our clubs.

5. Travel more

Okay, this one we can't quite help you do, but we can get you close. At Adagio, we work with farmers from all around the world, even offering our Roots Campaign to help connect our customers and the farmers who work hard to make their favorite blends. Check out the stories from our Roots Campaign and try a new tea to get connected to their part of the world. You can also check out Masters Teas, where you can find all kinds of information about some of the finest teas in the world and the regions and farmers that grow them. And who knows, as you learn more about the wonderful world of tea, maybe you'll get an idea for your next vacation.

6. Learn a new skill

Another easy one, this idea is also super practical. What skill is easy and fun to pick up, long in mastering, and impressive to friends and family whether you're a novice or a pro? Cooking of course! And, as with nearly all things, what better way to enjoy cooking than by combining it with your favorite beverage-turned-spice-turned-ingredient-turned-flavoring-turned-basically-the-most-useful-thing-in-your-kitchen? And yes, in case you were wondering, we mean tea! Useful in recipes for everything from your main three meals to snacks to desserts and even, of course, drinks, tea is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be prepared and enjoyed in myriad ways. Looking for a leg up on how to get started? Check out TeaChef, where you'll find tons of delicious recipes for all skill levels. Rate and review recipes you've made, share pictures of your creations, and--if you get really adventurous, add recipes of your own! There are even themed contests for new recipes. Join our culinary community and get those creative juices/teas flowing!

7. Spend more time with loved ones

Lastly but certainly not least, this resolution is close to our hearts. As we look ahead to a new year, bright with hope, dreams, and opportunities, it's important not to forget the loved ones we have that make it all worthwhile, the ones who make life such a treasure. Want to spend more time with your dear ones? Throw a tea party for your kids, enjoy a cup with an old friend, or try a new blend or recipe with a spouse. Looking to make a new friend? Offer to buy them a cup.

8. Lose weight

Did you know that besides being delicious, tea has a ton of health benefits? Tea--both true teas and tisanes made from other plants--have been used in traditional medicine for years, so you might already know tea has a lot of health benefits, but did you know it can help you lose weight? Green teas--and especially matcha, the powdered version of green tea wherein you are drinking the entire leaf--in particular, can be useful in boosting your metabolism.

Here's to wishing you your best year yet. Happy New Year from Adagio!