Today’s tea market is experiencing exciting changes. Innovative new beverages with a variety of unique ingredients have found their way to Orlando and Central Florida consumers. Rather than seeing tea and other similar beverages as separate from all the different foods individuals eat, those beverages are now being measured by the same standards.
A white paper recently published by the World Tea Expo examined several industry issues that are projected to impact the future of the industry. According to the document, Orlando and Central Florida consumers want the following:
- convenience: hot and cold options, easy to consume on the go, anytime and anywhere
- nutrient density and health potential: organic farming, regenerative agriculture and zero waste
- consciousness: supporting a system that that has a positive impact; sustainability and Fair Trade
- ingredients: no sugar, organic, nutritious and functional
While all these characteristics are important, functional ingredients stand out as a smart way to combine the enjoyment of drinking tea with positive health benefits such as an increase in energy or relaxation.
With at least 80 percent of Americans experiencing stress daily and struggling to relax their bodies and calm their minds, the chance of illnesses occurring increases. But a reduction in stress can help combat many of them including heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain and poor sleep.
Relaxing with a cup of tea can reduce stress on its own, but when it’s combined with practicing mindfulness, the health benefits grow to include a reduction in stress and anxiety, improved attention and memory and better self-regulation and empathy.
What exactly is mindfulness? It’s the ability to be fully present or being aware of what’s going on without becoming overwhelmed. A different way to look at it is noticing all one’s thoughts and emotions without making judgments about them.
Incorporating mindfulness opportunities into the workday is beneficial for both employees and employers. Orlando and Central Florida employees who are healthier and have less stress not only develop better connections with others including their colleagues but are also more productive.
To increase the likelihood that employees can practice mindfulness (and enjoy hot beverages from the office coffee service), employers need to step up and provide a variety of relaxing environments from quiet corners to break rooms with comfortable seating options. Healthy snacks and fresh food in the break room will also help employees manage their health.
As the 2019 ends and 2020 approaches, how will your organization help employees reduce stress, improve their diet and find small moments to practice mindfulness? We here to help design a break room that encourages mindfulness and to create a customized refreshment menu with everyone’s favorite choices. For more information about our other break room services, please contact The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632.
