8 easy steps to a better tea break

If you feel stressed during your work day (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) help is at hand in the form of the humble tea break.
To recognise Mental Health Awareness Week (26 September – 2 October) the folk at Zealong tea have come up with some simple tips to turn your tea break into a self-care
experience
The clue’s in the name. It’s more than just a cup of tea. It’s also a time to break from work pressure, to re-energise and re-focus. Follow these eight steps and feel the difference.

Get up from your desk. This one’s pretty obvious, but a cuppa delivered to your workstation ISN’T a break.
Use a cup or mug that you love. You’re drinking from it every day, so make it something beautiful. Bring a nice cup from home & keep it at your desk with your personal tea supply.
Reward yourself with quality tea. Again, you’re drinking it every day so why not bring along your own selection instead of relying on what’s in the tea room. Or perhaps your workplace can be persuaded to upgrade. Seriously, when you can be drinking the world’s best organic tea for less than $1 cup why wouldn’t you?
Take. Your. Time. Tea is simple to prepare so there’s no need to rush the process. Calmly get everything ready while the water’s boiling, & allow your tea to steep until it’s to your taste.
Switch off from work. It’s called a tea break for a reason. Clear your thoughts by visualising something you love, or love doing. Your garden at home, a beach somewhere, a favourite piece of music…
Inhale the aroma BEFORE you take that first sip. Tea is more than just taste: it’s a sensory experience. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands. Isn’t that soothing?
Take time to enjoy the whole cup More mindfulness. Think about the taste of every sip. Admire the delicacy of flavour, the freshness, the tannins, the sweetness. Let your mind wander a bit.
Finish by feeling good about the experience. You’ve just done a good thing for your body & soul. The natural chemicals that infuse from tea leaves are fantastic for reviving your energy & focus. That’s why people have been drinking it since ancient times. The ritual of making tea has calmed your spirit. And maybe that pile of work back at your desk just a got a little lighter.