“Where there’s tea, there’s hope.” – Arthur Wing Pinero

’m not someone who can take much caffeine without getting jittery, but I’m a huge proponent of coffee drinks (decaf for me, with lots of chocolate) and tea (Vanilla Rooibos, Egyptian Licorice, and Mint tea are some of my best productivity and stress relief tools), and I encourage you to lean into enjoying drinks like these as well. Today is the perfect day for us to focus on why this is important!

So today, let’s take a moment to appreciate the finer things in life, like a delicious cup of gourmet coffee or tea. These beverages are more than just a daily pick-me-up; they’re a source of comfort, a ritual for relaxation, and they offer various health benefits. I used to think that coffee breaks and tea time were nice luxuries but not really that important for wellbeing. Then I learned more about the research on why these breaks can help with our productivity, happiness, and even our health! For example, these breaks foster our social connections, which are vital for our wellbeing, help us stay creative, and give us energy to do more. Read on for more reasons you should incorporate these drinks into your life regualrly—and how:

Research on the Benefits of Coffee and Tea:

• Health Benefits of Coffee: Studies show that coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of several diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (van Dam, 2005). Action: Enjoy your coffee knowing it may contribute to your long-term health.
• Antioxidants in Tea: Tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and chronic diseases (Hodgson & Croft, 2010). Action: Sip on a cup of tea to enjoy its antioxidant properties.
• Mental Alertness: Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can enhance mental alertness and concentration (Smith, 2002). Action: Use these beverages as a tool to sharpen your focus when needed.
• Stress Reduction: The act of drinking a hot beverage can reduce stress and promote relaxation (Unno et al., 2018). Action: Incorporate coffee or tea breaks into your day as a stress-relief ritual.
• Social Interaction: Sharing coffee or tea can be a social activity, fostering connections and communication (Oldenburg, 1999). Action: Invite someone to join you for a coffee or tea to enhance your social bonds.

After reading some of these studies, I found myself wondering why I don’t have coffee and tea breaks every day–and then making changes so that I’m savoring these drinks more often! Here are some action steps you can take to make this a greater part of your life as well:

1. Try New Flavors: Explore different varieties and flavors of coffee and tea. I used to only drink mint tea (the benefits are great, especially if you want to feel more alert and creative without feeling jittery), but if I hadn’t been open to new flavors, I never would have discovered my other two loves (vanilla rooibos and Egyptian Licorice), and that would be a shame! What might you enjoy?
2. Mindful Drinking: Practice mindfulness while enjoying your coffee or tea. This is a great practice, particularly for those who want the benefits of meditation, but find the practice challenging for now.
3. Create a Cozy Space: Designate a special spot for your coffee or tea ritual. This can be more relaxing than you think!
4. Pair with Healthy Snacks: Combine your beverage with nutritious snacks for a balanced break. Then you get a double-win.
5. Coffee/Tea Journaling: Keep a journal of the different types you try and your impressions. Or you can just make it a morning ritual to sip while you journal about gratitude or daily wins.
6. Brewing Techniques: Experiment with different brewing methods. I used to think having a coffee maker was the only option, but I love pouring hot water over coffee grounds or tea leaves (or having someone else do it for me).
7. Share the Experience: Invite friends or colleagues for a coffee or tea tasting. Coffee meet-ups can be restorative!
8. Support Local Cafés: I love Starbucks (probably too much!) but I’m also a huge fan of getting coffee or tea from local, independent shops.

If you’d like more support in organizing your life in a way that decreases friction and stress and increases productivity and creativity, download my app, subscribe to my newsletter, or contact me to book a free coaching call!