" For me , stopping to brew a pot of tea is about pausing from the usual chaos and time pressures in order to selfindulge ."
CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY At The Jersey Tea Company we are certified organic with the Soil Association and use regenerative farming techniques . We are very passionate about trying to improve the quality of land and farming in Jersey and aim to : improve biodiversity ( pollinator patches ; rewilding ); improve water quality ( no leaching of chemicals as we do not use herbicides , pesticides , or artificial fertilisers on our crops ); increase carbon sequestration via the tea plants ; be plastic-free ( our packaging is plastic free and compostable ), and be sustainable ( minimising our carbon footprint ).
Engaging in a business that contributes to the community has been another important aspect of improving my wellbeing , and also helps to challenge feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control of some of the more significant issues , such as climate change . Engaging in environmentally-friendly behaviour has been associated with a more positive self-image and thus elicits positive emotion . ( Venhoeven et al . 2016 )
ENJOYING THE TEA ! There has been much anecdotal evidence and many preliminary studies that highlight the benefits both psychologically and physiologically of drinking tea . Tea does contain antioxidants and nutrients and can be part of a healthy lifestyle . There are , of course , many other less direct psychological aspects to drinking tea , such as the impact of taking a “ tea break ”, the soothing aspects of a warm drink , and even the use of a favourite sentimental mug . Research from BRITA Professional ( 2020 ) found
that two-thirds believe taking time to have a cup of tea positively affects their mental health , admitting it helps them to feel relaxed . Almost half agree that it helps them calm down and reduce stress levels . This research study also found that a tea break can increase our productivity , with nearly half agreeing that they can concentrate more on their work after a cup of tea and over a third can perform better or to a higher level .
For me , stopping to brew a pot of tea is about pausing from the usual chaos and time pressures in order to selfindulge . I enjoy the fact that it takes time , and I try and use that time to be in the moment , but I also value using tea as a chance to connect with others . In the workplace , a “ tea break ” in the staff kitchen allows us to informally chat to colleagues – not over e-mails or in a meeting where minutes are taken but in a more creative informal space .
CONCLUSION Though the establishment of The Jersey Tea Company has been a conduit to improving my psychological wellbeing , it is not because of the company itself but due to the small changes it has made to my life . These changes do not require a tea field but can involve : a plant in an office or kitchen ; time in a park , beach or on a balcony ; spending time with those we love completing a shared task ; engaging in small changes that benefit the community around us , and taking time to pause and maybe even enjoy a cup of Jersey tea ! •
Find out more about The Jersey Tea Company at www . thejerseyteacompany . com www . mannermagazine . co . uk 69