Tea Time May Help You Beat Stress

Whether you found an hour to yourself because your kids are away on playdates or you are just making time to escape, you might want to spend that solo time with a cup of tea.

In a study out of London, researchers found that those who drank black tea had an easier time recovering from daily stress.  

In a press release about the study*, researcher Andrew Steptoe of the University College London said, “Although it does not appear to reduce the actual levels of stress we experience, tea does seem to have a greater effect in bringing stress hormone levels back to normal. This has important health implications, because slow recovery following acute stress has been associated with a greater risk of chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease."

In Westborough, there are many places to find a hot cup of tea and a place to gather your thoughts. Here are 5 of our favorites.

• Red Barn Coffee Roasters, 17 South St. – Take a book and escape out the side door into the neighboring atrium. There is a quiet reading room with tables and books.
• , 140 Turnpike Road – Take your laptop and enjoy the free Wi-Fi.
• – Try to get one of the tables near the fireplace to keep your toes warm and your tea toasty.
• , 43 East Main St. - Pick a table near the windows and waste a little time watching traffic.  
• café – Not to worry if you forgot to bring something to read, there is plenty to peruse.

*Steptoe, A. Psychopharmacology, online edition. News release, University College London.