A Simple Comforting Gesture When Words Are Not Enough

"Many times people will talk about not knowing what to say in situations heavy with emotions of grief.

What Do You Take in Your Tea?

Making and offering a cup of tea is a simple and effective way of conveying the warmth of care without using words beyond simply, “what do you take in your tea?” In many cultures, tea is thought of as a method of providing comfort for a variety of both psychological and physiological ailments. Whether due to reputation, availability, or cost, tea has become one of the most consumed beverages on Earth, second only to water. So, what is it about tea that gives it the power to provide comfort and health, and are these benefits perceived, or is there some truth to them?

What Does the Science Say?

No longer just hearsay, modern science is proving that the multitude of claims about the benefits of tea is, in many cases, true. According to science, it seems to be a combination of factors that make a cup of tea comforting, including:

• Tea compounds- If you are a tea drinker, you know that drinking tea can make you feel good. "Drinking tea creates a relaxed, capable state of mind" — Andrew Scholey, psychopharmacologist
• The ritual of making tea- Making tea, no matter which kind or in which culture, is a process. Science tells us that performing a process or ritual, such as making tea, has proven benefits, including: alleviation of grief, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence
• The warmth of a teacup- The word comfort is associated with warmth as much and as naturally as the image of two hands cupping a steaming cup. Research demonstrates that the experience of physical warmth, such as that from holding a warm cup of tea, promotes feelings of interpersonal warmth and association with personality traits such as “generous” and “caring.”

So What?

When you boil it down, it turns out that there is minimal, if not the downside, to tea. Maybe that is why tea has become the global drink of choice as well as the subject of ongoing research regarding its multitude of benefits. So, whether it be a situation of grief or any other time where words don’t seem to be enough, simply pop the kettle on and ask, “what do you take in your tea?”

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✨Takeaway: Making and giving a simple cup of tea is one of the best ways to provide comfort and soothing in situations where words are insufficient. In fact, tea is regarded in many cultures as a way of bringing relief for a number of physical and mental problems.

✨Reflection: What do you take in your tea?

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