SURVEY: SOUTH AFRICANS HAPPIEST WHEN SPENDING TIME WITH LOVED ONES AND SIPPING TEA…

1.     visiting with close friends and family (65%),

2.     sipping a soothing cup of tea (56%),

3.     being in nature (53%),

4.     lending a helping hand to someone in need (39%),

5.     a good night’s rest and laughing out loud (tied at 29%).

Others cited exercise (23%), reading a good book (22%), spending time with 

a furry friend (20%) and indulging in a sweet treat (18%) as their “happy place”.

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SARC says that based on the results from the poll, 

it is evident that the disruption of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown has 

changed how people talk about and conceptualise happiness.

“In many ways the pandemic has forced us to take a step back and reconsider the 

value we place on the simpler, more meaningful things in life.”

For those who find contentment in a cup of tea, 84% claimed Rooibos tea

 as their “happy tea”.

Seven in ten said drinking tea helps them to relax, while more than a third remarked

 that the daily ritual helps them to reflect and be happy in the moment.

Du Toit says mindfulness and tea go hand-in-hand.

“For many, a morning or evening cup of tea is their form of meditation. It sets the tone 

for the day ahead or helps them to unwind after a stressful day.”

Tea meditations are an ancient practice, which have been used over millennia to 

achieve mindful appreciation. Du Toit explains how it is practised:

“As you sip your tea slowly, focus on bringing the mind into the present, while drawing

peace and quiet into the moment. Bring your awareness into the here and

 now and align yourself into your day. Allow your thoughts to come and go without 

holding on to them. This is a wonderful way to stop overwhelming thoughts from

 taking over and to prepare the mind for the day’s challenges that lie ahead.”

She says even the act of brewing tea helps the mind to focus on the present. 

“Brewing tea demands our attention, which brings us into the present moment. 

As you brew your tea according to your individual preference for taste, it should serve

 as a reminder that you can craft only what you can control in life and to let go of

 what you can’t, in order to appreciate what you do have.”

After living through a pandemic for a year, where public health has been at the 

forefront of people’s minds, it comes as no surprise that the majority (96%) of

 respondents agreed that “happiness” has become more about well-being than

 pleasure-seeking. Nine out of ten said they could do with more comfort in 2021 with 

many admitting that last year was tough on them mentally.

“2020 was one of the most difficult years many of us have had to face and in times of crisis, 

we turn to comfort and want to spend our time and energy on doing things which leave

us feeling content and happy.

“Tea ticks many of these boxes. Rooibos tea being rich in antioxidants and 

possessing anti-inflammatory properties is as good for the heart as it is for the soul. 

Aside from its inherent health benefits and great taste, drinking tea is also associated 

with feelings of warmth and comfort, which provides reassurance in difficult times –

 something we need now more than ever,” remarks du Toit.

Apart from anecdotal evidence, there’s also scientific proof that regular tea-drinking 

can reduce your risk of depression by 31%. Eleven studies involving 22 817 people 

showed that tea consumption may act as an independent protective factor for 

depression and that the more you drink it, the less chance you have of becoming depressive. 

The results from the poll were released this week in the lead up to 

International Day of Happiness (Saturday, 20 March) to help boost

 public morale during the pandemic.

According to the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), depression and 

anxiety has worsened during the pandemic with call volumes to their helpline 

having more than doubled in the last year. The SARC’s poll reflects the same, 

with only 29% of respondents claiming to be truly happy.

This is a Press Release from Meropa Communications on behalf of the SA Rooibos Council.

Thank you!

See You Again!!

BONGI