How to manage stress, practice mindfulness, and boost wellbeing with HumaniTea

We have all experienced stress in our lives, whether this is due to big life events, workplace stress, financial stress or just everyday small stresses. It is a horrible feeling that can leave many feeling anxious, out of control or irritable.

Stress can be a reaction to some sort of mental or emotional pressure, and it is perfectly normal to experience this from time to time. However, please ensure that you are looking after your mental wellbeing as too much stress can cause insomnia, sickness, and acne. 

Mindfulness can help combat some stresses- and mindfulness can be defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”

 

How does HumaniTea support mindfulness? 

Here at HumaniTea, our motto is “Me Time, Tea Time, Any Time”, which encourages people to take regular tea breaks throughout the day.

It is important to take small breaks during the day, as 1 in 6 people in the UK suffer from mental health issues due to stress from work. Just a 5 minute tea break can really help one find mindfulness. Taking regular breaks from the hustle and bustle of work is key to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing so that you are not too overwhelmed.

As well as this, our products- Earl Grey Oat Milk Classic Tea Latte and Matcha Oat Milk Green Tea Latte– release natural energy without a caffeine crash. Get a healthy dose of antioxidants and energy while trying the drink that is good for humanity! 

 

Stress and mindfulness advice from experts

Mind, one of the UK’s leading mental health charities, often publish reports that show new data in mental health, and have set up a number of campaigns including getting better housing, statutory sick pay, and better benefits for those who are suffering with mental health problems. 

Mind explains how you can identify the cause of your stress: “Feelings of stress are normally triggered by things happening in your life which involve: 

• being under lots of pressure
• facing big changes
• worrying about something
• not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
• having responsibilities that you’re finding overwhelming
• not having enough work
• activities or change in your life
• times of uncertainty.

“There might be one big thing causing you stress, but stress can also be caused by a build-up of small pressures. This might make it harder for you to identify what’s making you feel stressed, or to explain it to other people.”

As well as advice on identifying the causes of stress, Mind also encourages mindfulness  which uses “various techniques to bring your attention to the present.” Here is how to do it:

• “Notice how thoughts come and go in your mind. You may learn that they don’t have to define who you are, or your experience of the world, and you can let go of them.
• Notice what your body is telling you. For example, tension or anxiety can often be felt in your body (such as in a fast heartbeat, tense muscles or shallow breathing).
• Create space between you and your thoughts, so you can react more calmly.”

 

How to look after your wellbeing and reduce stress

As mentioned above, mindfulness is a fantastic way to combat stress. Paying attention to things around you and being self-aware can really calm you down and relax you. Yoga and meditation are great for mindfulness as it makes you aware of your breathing, your body and the thoughts in your mind. 

There are so many tips, resources, and YouTube videos on how to meditate or do yoga properly for beginners. Other exercises and being active are also key to reducing stress, as well as having ‘me’ time, connecting with others around you, and trying to take control of your situation.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms should be avoided in times of stress. We all have our vices such as drinking alcohol, consuming caffeine, or smoking cigarettes, but we shouldn’t be relying on this as a way to relieve stress. It won’t solve the cause of stress, and can be dangerous long-term. 

 

Where to find resources 

If you need help or support with any long-term stress difficulties or other issues relating to mental wellbeing, then please visit your GP. If you want to chat or look at helplines, then there is a list of websites below that have email addresses and numbers to contact.

Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ 

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/ 

CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/