Winter’s shorter days and colder weather tend to bring on what is known as the ‘Winter Blues’. Staying warm is one of the best and most obvious ways to up one’s mood, and there are very few simpler ways to do this than a warming cuppa.

Around 2 million Brits struggle with low mood throughout the darker months of the year, according to the NHS¹, leading to lethargy and irritability. One of the main reasons is a lack of sunlight which is necessary for a functioning body clock and normal levels of serotonin – the so-called ‘happy hormone’.

As the NHS advises, keeping active, following a healthy diet, and staying warm, for example, by enjoying hot drinks, can all help to ward off low mood as the nights draw in.

The UKTIA survey of tea drinkers found that tea is the go-to drink at this time of year, with 58% of British adults saying they quaff the most tea during autumn and winter months.

Dr Sharon Hall, Chief Executive of the UKTIA, says, “Our survey shows that Brits really appreciate a cup of regular black tea as we go through the cold winter months. Earl Grey tea, with its zingy citrus flavours, is also popular.

“According to four in 10 (43%), the best cuppa by far is the first one of the day, followed by the one they drink at breakfast. Around one ten prefer their cup of tea when they get into work.”

The survey² also found that more than a third of adults (32%) always match their type of tea to their moods, with a further 24% doing this sometimes.

The traditional cuppa with milk is the most popular option across all mood states, especially when people are feeling lonely, but other teas have their moments too.

Chamomile is a popular choice for de-stressing, while a zingy fruit tea is an ideal option when feeling in a good mood. The menthol hit of peppermint tea is singled out as great for motivation.

Drinking tea also seems to influence mood, with the survey reporting that:

  • 57% feel relaxed when they drink tea
  • 50% feel calm
  • 34% ready for the next task
  • 31% feel energised
  • 17% feel like the ‘real me’.

Dr Sharon Hall adds, “A surprising finding from the UKTIA survey is that drinking tea directly impacts how people feel, which could be due to the enjoyment of a cuppa, the known bioactive natural compounds found in teas, or the chance to simply take time out for yourself. With a broader choice of teas available in shops and cafes, people are now able to select a tea that matches their current mood, or how they would like to feel”.

Here are Dr Hall’s recommendations for teas to match your winter experiences:

  • On a rainy day – English breakfast, black tea
  • A walk through winter leaves – Green tea
  • Shopping – Chai tea
  • A winter warmer – Hibiscus tea
  • Duvet day – Darjeeling
  • Going Dry – Ginseng tea.

References:

¹

² Survey of 1000 UK-employed tea drinkers, Winter 2022, conducted by the independent polling company Perspectus Global.

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