Why a Cup of Tea is More Than Simply a Nice Drink
The question ‘do you fancy a nice cup of tea?’ isn’t simply an invitation to enjoy a pleasant beverage. It is that, of course.
But it’s so much more too. It’s also an offer to down tools, relax and have a chat, maybe even to swap a few confidences or catch up on the latest gossip.
Taking time out to talk
And that’s why the whole act of having a cup of tea ties in perfectly with Time to Talk Day on Thursday, February 6th. A national event, the idea behind the initiative is for people to get together and talk about anything that’s bothering them. In association with a handful of mental health charities, Time to Talk Day is for getting together with a work colleague, friend, loved one or even a friendly stranger, and chatting over any areas of your life you’re finding stressful, or may be getting you down.
Actually, the whole act of brewing tea and sharing a cuppa is a relaxing ritual in itself. Offering to make someone a cup of tea is also a welcoming gesture. How often have you turned up at someone’s door to be told: “Come in. I’ll just put the kettle on”? We’d hazard more than a couple of times, easily.
Building relationships over a cup of tea
Whether you are in the workplace or carrying out chores at home, the prospect of taking time out for an enjoyable cup of tea soon is always a great motivator. For some couples or friends, a regular ritualistic meet up over a cup of tea can be an ongoing stress-reliever – not to mention an important way of building on, and strengthening, their relationship.
Helping to break the ice with a newcomer
Doubtless, having a cup of tea with a relative, neighbour or co-worker is also a great way to break the ice with that new acquaintance. It can also help stave off loneliness, as well as prove a nice way to punctuate your day if you’re on your own.
The relaxing power of a cuppa
Tea doesn’t always have to be enjoyed with someone else though. How often have you got home from a long journey in the car or an exhausting trek round the shops and thought ‘I’ll relax now with a cup of tea”? And yes, there is the physical and psychological aspect of relaxing, but there’s a biochemical one too. That’s because tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine. Research has shown this can help reduce tension and help with stress levels. Take our own Chamomile and Valerian, for instance. One of our more popular teas, this calming brew boasts a formula of 85% chamomile and 15% valerian per bag – a sure-fire way to relax.
Getting other health benefits from tea
Different herbal teas have their own individual benefits. Here’s examples of a handful of NutraTeas and their clinical benefits:
- Bitter melon and cinnamon – helps support blood sugar
- Kelp and nettle – supports the thyroid
- Lemongrass and ginger – an antioxidant and digestion boost
- Curcumin, Green Tea and Piperin – helps with joint flexibility
- Liquorice and cinnamon – and energy booster that assists with clarity and focus
Amongst other attributes, herbal teas have also been shown, in a number of studies, to help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and support bone strength. Then there are the teas which can help with pregnancy symptoms and breastfeeding. Water retention and circulation are two other health issues that can be supported by regular drinking of specific herbal teas.
But back to Time to Talk Day, and whether you’re the listener or the talker – or a bit of both – why not make sure you brew up and join the conversation this year?