Creative Meeting Space with Herbal Teas
Some time ago, I received a request for a quote for a board meeting at our space. Along with the usual details, there was a curious note: one of the participants didn’t drink coffee. Not just that—they were quite particular about their tea. No bagged tea would do, and certainly nothing from a specific brand (which shall remain nameless 😃). I assured them, “We’re happy to accommodate your team, and as far as drinks go, we have an extensive selection of teas.” Sure enough, by the end of the day, he was a happy camper and customer for our creative meeting space with herbal teas.
This got me thinking about the role of beverages—particularly coffee and tea—in creative thinking and productivity. I once wrote a post about coffee because, like many, I am an enthusiastic coffee drinker. I’m also quite picky about the taste. Yet, despite my enthusiasm, I consider myself a moderate drinker, limiting myself to two cups a day. In that post, I wrote, “Good ideas start with great coffee.” But is that really true?
The Coffee Conundrum: Creativity or Just a Kick?
Curious about the impact of coffee on creativity, I turned to research, as I always do. Surprisingly, I found no clear link between the number of good ideas and coffee consumption. A fascinating study titled “Percolating Ideas: The Effects of Caffeine on Creative Thinking and Problem Solving” offered some insights. The researchers found that, at low to moderate consumption levels, caffeine enhances convergent problem-solving—think focused, logical thinking. However, it doesn’t actually make you more creative.
Why? Because caffeine doesn’t boost divergent thinking, which involves generating new ideas, exploring multiple possibilities, and thinking outside the box. The researchers suggested that divergent thinking flourishes in a more relaxed state of mind—a state not exactly supported by caffeine’s stimulating effects. This is just a hunch and research for now concludes that drinking coffee does not make you less creative. So for now, no need to swear off coffee altogether.
Do pay attention to the above mentioned condition: low to moderate consumption, about one to two cups per day. Go beyond that, and you risk experiencing everything from anxiety to the notorious afternoon coffee crash, not to mention disrupted sleep patterns. (Want to dive deeper? Just Google Adenosine to learn how caffeine messes with your sleep cycle.)
Interestingly, other studies looked at creativity in coffee shops. Here’s the twist: it’s not the coffee itself that sparks creativity, but the bright atmospheres, visually appealing aesthetics, comfortable seating arrangements and exposure to natural elements such as plants and sunlight. The background hum of a café provides just the right level of noise to stimulate creative thinking without being overly distracting. So maybe it’s not just about the coffee after all.
Tea Time: The Unsung Hero of Creative Thinking
If caffeine-fueled productivity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, what’s the alternative? Enter herbal tea. In 2018, a study revealed that tea not only enhances convergent creativity but also boosts divergent thinking. Preliminary findings suggest that tea promotes mental clarity, enabling quicker, more focused, yet relaxed thought processes. Some herbs, like lemon balm and chamomile, are known to elevate mood and foster relaxation—ideal conditions for creative thinking.
I’ve always been fascinated by the effects of herbs on the body and mind. What started as a curiosity (and an herbalist course) soon turned into cupboards overflowing with herbs and various reference books. Now, I even create my own herbal blends. At Creative Wonderland, we offer an eclectic selection of teas—far from the boring, tasteless versions. And yes, we take requests for custom blends. 😉
Signature Blends: A Sip of Imagination
The first blend I created is our house favourite. It’s an herbal tea with rich flavour and body, balanced with a touch of sweetness. It’s also a favourite among our daughters! This harmonious, relaxing blend features lemon balm, rose petals, chamomile, elderflower, ginger, and licorice root. The ginger adds a subtle kick, while the licorice root lends a sweet finish.
Feeling adventurous? Try our magical blend, crafted from mugwort, heather flowers, horsetail, elderberries, mint and cinnamon. It’s a fragrant, enchanting brew that whispers inspiration.
Blends are adapted to the seasons. During this time of the year, we’re slowly evolving from the cosy herbs like cinnamon, ginger and star anise to the energising herbs symbolising the rebirth of nature with elderflower, linden blossoms and the powerful stinging nettle.
The Art of Brewing at our creative meeting space with herbal teas: A Ritual Worth Perfecting
If the thought of faint, watery tea makes you cringe, you’re not alone. The secret to a rich, flavourful cup lies in the preparation. Use fresh, near-boiling water and let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes—up to 20 minutes for the full magic of the herbs to unfold. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
So, whether you’re a dedicated coffee drinker or a curious tea enthusiast, why not explore the world of herbal infusions? At Creative Wonderland, we’re brewing more than just beverages; we’re brewing creativity, one cup at a time.