Tea Time
I’ve adopted an afternoon ritual that I look forward to each day—Tea Time! Every day at 4:00 I leave my desk and visit the break room for a spot of tea. It is a soothing respite from the rigors of business even if I do bring my steaming cup back to my desk and resume working. I look forward to selecting my flavor of the day. Shall I enjoy a Lemon Lift, Raspberry Royale or perhaps a standard Earl Grey? I understand Green Tea is supposed to be quite healthy. What a nice company I work for; one that keeps us stocked with flavored tea bags!
Tea time is an English tradition that has migrated to the US. In England Afternoon Tea was typically served between 3 and 5pm and included a light meal. High Tea was served between 5 and 6pm accompanied by cold meats, sandwiches, eggs or cakes. Both tea times have changed over the years as work schedules have interfered with social customs of long ago.
In the US, tea time can really be any time a cup of tea is consumed. Much like the more recognizable coffee break, tea time is just a break in the day in which you enjoy a tasty beverage. Many up-scale hotels serve special so-called “High Teas” with finger foods on fine china but the “high” social status is poor etiquette today as everyone is welcomed to partake.
So, begin a new daily ritual and institute Tea Time at your place of business for a change of pace. And let us know if you have any other ideas for office breaks that don’t interfere with work but help keep everyone alert and happy!
