Tea and our mental wellbeing
Tea is traditionally the reassuring drink that we turn to in times of trouble, but why? With Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from 15-21 May 2023, here we explore just what it is about a cuppa that we find so comforting when times are tough, and Orange Pekoe founder Marianna reveals how to enjoy stress-busting, mindful moments with tea.
“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea” once said philosopher Bernard Paul Heroux, and here at Orange Pekoe we strongly agree, but just what is it about the nation’s favourite drink that proves to be so consoling when we are stressed, worried or anxious?
Incredibly, there are both physical and mental benefits; firstly, tea contains an unusual amino acid called L-theanine that was discovered in 1949, and only exists in two other plants in the entire botanical universe; an edible mushroom and guayusa, an Amazonian tree related to holly. L-theanine has the ability to improve memory and reaction time when combined with caffeine and, more importantly, it helps reduce cortisol, our ‘fight or flight’ stress hormone that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
This wonderful little chemical appears to relax the part of our brain that is not needed to perform tasks, so we remain calm and unstressed while still being able to focus and get on with daily life. This helps to slow us down, stop the mind from racing, and help us concentrate on one thing at a time – what some refer to as ‘Zen focus’. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
The other magical ingredient found in tea is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate); a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant in our bodies, which can help us to feel calmer, improve our memory, support concentration and make us more attentive. This, when combined with L-theanine and caffeine, has the unique ability to not only calm but also alert us at the same time; when combined with L-theanine, caffeine does not have the jittery effect that caffeine found in coffee sometimes can, and as a result we feel the benefits of it without feeling shaky or over-stimulated. And of course, there is more to tea than just drinking it…
“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea”
The quiet ritual of preparing tea goes back thousands of years and in some cultures has even become a form of meditation. In Japan, the green tea ceremony is based on the Zen philosophy of ‘ichi-go ichi-e’, which translates as ‘one time, one meeting’, to remind us of the importance of recognising and valuing the uniqueness and joy of the present moment. Over the centuries, Zen Buddhist monasteries and temples around the world have always brewed and served tea to the monks as they chant and pray, so that they may be fully focused and mentally involved, but also calm and relaxed. In China and Taiwan, the gong fu style of brewing uses quiet, slow, carefully choreographed movements of the hands to prepare the tea utensils, brew the tea and share it with guests.
If we take the same ‘mindful’ approach when we prepare our tea, thinking about every aspect of the act of brewing and really concentrating on each action, we may also find that we can create a few quiet, calm moments in a busy day.
And finally, tea has one more magical property that must be mentioned; it brings people together.
They say that ‘a problem shared is a problem solved’, and in times of struggle and uncertainty, there is something powerfully reassuring when somebody kindly pops the kettle on and says the words, ‘let’s have a cup of tea…’. After an incredibly challenging year, we are now finally able to reunite with family and friends, and what better way to catch up, laugh, cry and eventually heal, than over a hot, comforting pot of tea? And maybe a slice of cake too, while we’re at it…
How to enjoy mindful moments with tea, with Orange Pekoe founder Marianna
Carefully take a deep breath; close your eyes and focus on the aroma that rises from the leaves.
If you brew in a glass pot, watch the leaves unfurl and dance in the water!
When your tea is ready, sit in a quiet place and take time to enjoy the experience of slowly sipping your tea, appreciating the colour of the liquor, its aroma and flavour, and thinking of what you love about the tea you chose. And for a few calm, relaxed mindful minutes, just enjoy your tea.
Firstly, think about which tea is right for that particular moment or occasion – what are you in the mood for? Take time to explore your tea selection, enjoying the sights and smells of it.
Once you’ve chosen your tea, think about which teapot or cup you would like to use and why. Enjoy the feel of it - its shape, colour and the decoration. Consider how it feels it your hands.
Listen to the water as it heats in the kettle, and then the sound of the water as you pour it onto the tea.
Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, takes place from 15-21 May 2023. For more information visit their website here.