#calming tea

Yunn (the Tea Dragon) in a giant old teapot that serves as a hotsprings. The hot water is not only relaxing but boils the leaves that fall into it and make a nice earthy tea. 🌱🍵

It was accidental friendly fire 😅 but once I saw Yunn I just KNEW I had to draw her. She belongs to KnightmareKM (on Art Fight and deviantART) (Knightmarelair on twitter and instagram)...

One thing I loved was how KM based the mane on a real plant! Camellia sinensis... And of course that really set off my nature loving plant nerd self. 😂 (The animal part is based off a yellow-throated marten and Phayre's leaf monkey - how cool to use mammals that are local to the plant as inspiration!)

(Previous Art Fight Post 1/15)

Zuko: thank you, I'm heavily medicated.

for the stressed witch

*do not take this as a fix-all! yes, witchcraft CAN help alleviate stress, but please also talk to a professional if you need to - there is NO shame in needing extra help especially in time’s like these.

unfortunately (especially in times like these) stress can really take a toll. luckily, there are a few witchy ways to help alleviate stress and anxiety, of which i will share with you lovely people;

tea magick: this one is your best friend. a nice cup of herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, lavender and lemon balm are some great ones to consider!) has shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as some varieties (valerian, for example) aiding with insomnia and sleep. no harm in adding some honey for some extra sweetness (also could do some honey magick too as honey symbolises sweet things and you can envisage all the good vibes being attracted to you like bugs to honey!)

crystals: HOWLITE, amethyst, lepidolite, celestite, black tourmaline, blue lace agate are all great crystal options. sleeping with some under your pillow, having one in your pocket (or bra if you wear one!), or necklaces/other jewellery are awesome options, however having a crystal or two strategically placed around the home is also a fabulous idea.

bath magick: there are plenty available premade bath mixes, however a homemade mix of pink/sea salt, dried lavender, lemon balm and your favourite essential oils is always a good place to start. light a nice candle and let yourself soak in the good vibes! (can also do this with a shower, hanging dried herbs in the bathroom while you shower can help release the lovely oils and ease your anxiety)

candles: candles are known for inviting peace into the home. whip out your colour magick! (blue for healing and calming, green for the heart chakra, white for cleansing, etc) got one you’ve been putting off burning for that “special occasion”? light it now! good options for relieving stress include lemon balm, eucalyptus, lavender, jasmine, chamomile and frankincense. this also works for oil diffusers!

meditation: very simple and easy to do on-the-go. hundreds of 5-10 minute meditations out there that, although short, can help foster a more peaceful mind. a few minutes a day can make a huge difference!

nature walks: getting out in nature is proven to boost your mood, so if you’re feeling extra-stressy give it a try. also trying “earthing” or grounding techniques can help lower stress levels.

cleanse: this goes for your space as well as your own energy. lighting some sage and letting the smoke wash over your body, using a cleansing spray (moon water with salt and sage {dried or oil} is a good blend to start with) or even just opening a window and letting the air clean out your energy can help.

hopefully you found something that can help. please remember to seek help if your stress, anxiety or worries are getting you down, there is no shame in needing support 💓