A cuppa and a chat: Mental health benefits of tea
Whether you prefer chamomile or builder’s, having a cuppa with someone else can help to lift spirits at times when you’re feeling low. Our friends at The Tea Makers of London shared with SANE the benefits of tea drinking, from soothing the mind and creating communication to getting a good night’s sleep.
Starting conversations
The act of sitting down and making or being made a cup of tea with someone you trust feels good and releases serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter in functioning well emotionally.
Taking the time out of a busy and stressful day to sit with a friend or neighbour over a cuppa can help you get back on track on those occasions when you might be struggling. This positive interaction and bonding with a loved one produces more neurotransmitters and encourages us to do it more. Our friends often know just the right things to say to get us smiling and laughing again. Having a quick cuppa really can turn a bad day around – so get that kettle on!
Reducing caffeine
Teas (not including herbal or fruit infusions) contain caffeine but not as much as the average cup of coffee. By having a smaller amount of caffeine in your cup it stimulates your central nervous system, opening your airways and getting your blood to pump faster. Not having too high dose of caffeine in one sitting helps you to re-energise, feel alert and focus without causing those coffee jitters.
A pot of herbal tea with the SANE herbal blend. Image credit The Tea Makers of London
Creating a ritual
Make teatime a ritual. Even if you’re not in the market for a full-on traditional ceremony, simply taking a few minutes to enhance your break elevates those moments into a special time for yourself.
Choose your favourite cup, taking the time for yourself to brew the tea properly, allowing it to cool to just the right temperature and savouring the complex tea flavours. Having this ritual, creating your own personal process can bring a moment of calm in a hectic or stressful day.
Stopping for a tea break gives you a mental break as well as a physical one which helps counteract any day to day frustration. Walking away from a stressful activity for a mental rest along with the relaxing process of making your tea will help you return feeling good and ready to tackle the task at hand.
Better Quality Sleep
We know being well-rested and having a good night’s sleep has a large impact on our mental well-being, but it can be a lot easier said than done. For those who suffer from mental health issues, insomnia can come hand in hand, leaving some to try various medications and therapy just to get some kip.
Relaxing with a herbal cup of tea before bed can do wonders in slowing your brain down and helping calm the mind. To really get the best out of a tea such as chamomile, drink it in the evening with a dash of honey if you’re looking for a hint of sweetness – or even a grating of ginger for an extra warming kick. Ease yourself into its soothing embrace and drift into a blissful sleep.
Picking your favourite
Different tea types have individual health benefits, helping in their various ways to improve mental wellbeing. Here are the Tea Maker’s of London top teas:
- Matcha
Matcha has a long history of medicinal use in Japan. The active ingredients in this luxury green tea are known to stimulate both dopamine and serotonin receptors, which are said to combat symptoms of anxiety. The traditional Matcha brewing method using bamboo whisk, spatula and traditional Matcha bowl helps you take a moment for peaceful thinking.
- Chamomile
Chamomile tea is best known for its stress soothing properties and calming effects. Deliciously floral on its own or with a drop of honey for added sweetness, this herbal blend is the perfect cup to reduce stress.
- Peppermint
There’s nothing more refreshing than a cup of peppermint tea, which is highly aromatic and composed of single-origin peppermint leaves. This herbal tea will leave you feeling refreshed and uplifted.
Created in partnership with SANE, this relaxing fruit and herbal blend donates 100% of profits to the charity. Enjoy this calming brew whilst knowing the funds are going to help support those affected by mental illness across the country.
Further reading
The Tea Makers of London – Loose Leaf Tea Specialist – Find out more about The Tea Makers of London.
Emotional support – SANE – If you’re struggling, learn more about the services and support SANE provides.
