I’ve learned there are no absolutes in life except for this: a cup of hot tea and Chris Martin's voice are enough to give me, at the very least, a small sliver of calm and peace, and a brief moment of happiness.

I learned early on in college that if I wanted to survive exams and overbearing professors, I’d need to carry a “tool box.” This special box houses what I like to call my essential tools for escape.”

Over the years, I’ve swapped some tools out for others. In high school they used to be shopping and painting. Now, it’s sipping Ginger Tea and listening to Cold Play.

If you’re not already familiar with the awesomeness that is Ginger Tea, then please sit down and read carefully.

Firstly, ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It’s packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and mind. Some of my favorite things about this amazing spice include:

1.)   It can treat nausea and upset stomach

2.)   In some cases, it’s proven to reduce muscle pain and soreness

3.)   IT HELPS WITH MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

To read more about ginger’s benefits, click here. Now, let’s get into how to make Ginger Tea:

This recipe is guaranteed to wake your taste buds, and it’s incredibly easy (and inexpensive) to make. All you need is a ginger root (1 piece is plenty), hot water and honey (optional).

• Peel the ginger and slice it thinly, in small pieces.
• Boil water
• Place your ginger slices in water and let steep for about 10 minutes. *Note- the longer you steep, the spicier the tea will be
• Strain tea into cup and enjoy!

Now, grab your cup of tea and let's move on to ear food...

Coldplay 

I could write an entire separate post on the angel that is Chris Martin but for the sake of this post I will limit myself to talking about what I believe are a few of British Rock band, Coldplay's most inspiring songs:

A Sky Full Of Stars, Ghost Stories 

Coming from their sixth album, Ghost Stories, A Sky Full Of Stars delivers an eargasm of chilling chords and sensational beats. The album's second single radiates good vibes and has an electronic dance music feel. Along with it's catchy melodic vibrations (the song opens with a deep, ear awakening piano ballad), the lyrics also add a heart-warming feeling - they're simple, elegant and poetic. Who wouldn't melt to CM singing "'Cause you're a sky full of stars and I think I saw you."

Paradise, Mylo Xyloto 

The world could literally be falling to pieces around me but I guarantee you if this song started playing I would instantly start smiling. If you're ever feeling like your world is crumbling- maybe you bombed a test or none of the 100 jobs you've applied to have called you back - then I invite you to escape into the soothing, mystical sound that is Paradise. You will instantly be transported to a place of calm, where "boiling strings, rattling synthesizers, and bass-heavy-beats" will surely wash away any worries you have.

Clocks, A Rush of Blood to The Head

The lights go out and I can't be saved

Tides that I tried to swim against

Have brought me down upon my knees

Oh I beg, I beg and plead, singing…

This opening verse plunges you head first into the rabbit hole that is Clocks. This song tells the tale of someone jogging down the path of life, fighting: obstacles, confusion, setbacks, and most significantly, time all the while. Clocks is the song you want to turn on when you're feeling confused, lost, or unsure of yourself because it will remind you that you aren't alone, despite what you may be feeling. Life is an amazing journey but sometimes we get weary. When that happens, give this song a listen and be reminded, "you are, and nothing else compares."

Coldplay can turn even the worst day into a good one. As a tip, they’re great to listen to when you’re doing your hair. My deep conditioning process goes ten times faster when I’m listening to them (well, that and the fact that I use in addition to the fact that I use Everyday Botanical’s Deep Penetrating Conditioner) - http://everydaybotanicals.com/collections/coarse-curly-hair-product/products/coarse-and-curly-deep-penetrating-conditioner