1. and make a cuppa – but take note,while the caffeine
boost of a strong coffee might be tempting, it
might not be the best solution. Researchers
claim that caffeine can actually contribute
to stress and poor performance.
The expert view
Professor Peter Rogers from the
University of Bristol has spent years
researching why caffeine is our
favourite stimulant and whether it
really helps us as much as we think.
“Tea and coffee are enjoyed in a variety
of contexts, but caffeine is valued mainly
for its alerting effects,” he says. Professor
Rogers explains that morning alertness in caffeine
consumers before they have had their first cup of
tea or coffee has been shown to be lower (and
drowsiness and tiredness higher) than that rated at
the same time by non-consumers of caffeine.
“More surprisingly,” he says, “consumption of
caffeine increases alertness in caffeine consumers,
but has little or no effect on alertness in non-
consumers.” Mental performance, especially on
simple tasks where continuous monitoring is
required, is similarly affected.
In short it appears that caffeine’s alerting effects
are “largely illusionary”, says Professor Rogers,
and just gets regular caffeine-drinkers back to a
normal level of functioning. And while it does this,
caffeine also raises blood pressure and increases
anxiety, he adds.
What’s the alternative?
Most of us would like to feel less anxious,
experience better quality sleep, and be more alert
or productive at work. But many people worry
giving up caffeine will make them feel worse, not
better. Professor Rogers says the evidence is to the
contrary: “After a week (or a bit less) of caffeine
abstinence, former caffeine consumers come to
resemble non-consumers in their waking and day-
time levels of alertness and performance.”
Did you know that a caffeine habit could actually make
you feel more tired in the long run? If you rely on a cup of
tea or coffee to get going each day, switching to naturally
caffeine-free rooibos tea could make a real difference
Make time for
Tick Tock Tea
N
o matter how much you love your job,
teaching is hard work,which is why it is no
surprise to learn that three in five secondary
school teachers say their work has suffered as a
result of mental health problems, according to
research by Teacher Support Network Group.
In a recent poll by the education charity, 91 per
cent said they suffered from stress, 74 per cent
anxiety and 49 per cent depression, while 60
per cent said their performance suffered and 72 per
cent said they lost confidence as a result.
The 846 secondary school teachers polled also
reported widespread symptoms including problems
sleeping (87 per cent), headaches (69 per cent) and
lack of concentration (61 per cent).
Though there is not a simple solution to these
problems, just a five-minute break from your hectic
day can make quite a difference. Put on the kettle
How caffeine works
The average cup of tea drunk in the UK contains
about 40 mg of caffeine, whereas instant coffee
contains about 55 mg and filter coffee contains
about 105 mg of caffeine.
After drinking tea, coffee, or another caffeine-
containing drink, caffeine is distributed rapidly
throughout the body, reaching its highest
concentration in blood and brain within
30–40 minutes. Caffeine and its metabolites
are then gradually eliminated from the body,
mainly in the urine.
For adults, the elimination half-life of caffeine is
around three to six hours,
although this is longer
during pregnancy and
shorter in smokers.
Source: Professor
Peter Rogers,
University of Bristol
“Due to stress/anxiety
symptoms I experienced
last year, I have given up coffee
completely (I tried decaf but
didn’t like the taste). Strangely,
I’ve found that I don’t miss
coffee at all.”
Miss L, primary teacher, Kent

2. SourceS:MAYocLINIc,STArBucKS,cocA-coLA,MoNSTer,reDBuLL
So what can you choose
to drink instead for your
precious moments to
recharge in the school
day? Why not try rooibos
(pronounced ‘roy-bosh’) tea?
Anecdotal evidence says that
rooibos (also known as ‘redbush’) has soothing
properties,helping drinkers to relax,and it is valued
for its antioxidant content.The rooibos tea plant is
part of the pea and bean family and has absolutely
no caffeine in its genetic make-up, making rooibos
tea a great substitute for people who like black teas
but want to cut their caffeine intake. It is also low
in tannin, which can give tea an astringent taste.
With a full-bodied and naturally sweet flavour,
rooibos can be enjoyed with or without milk, and
also blends very well with traditional tea flavours
such as bergamot – which is used in Earl Grey –
and lemon and ginger.
Britain’s favourite rooibos
Naturally caffeine-free, Tick Tock tea is a British
favourite – the distinctive red box can be found in
kitchen cupboards across the country. Tick Tock
certainly knows a thing or two about rooibos. The
family has been growing and producing rooibos
in South Africa’s Cedarberg Mountains for over
a hundred years, ever since Grandfather Benjamin
Ginsberg first perfected the brew in 1903. His
grandson Bruce was the first to introduce the tea
to the British market in 1976. It’s this unbroken
tradition and the expertise gathered over many
decades that allows Tick Tock to maintain the high
levels of quality for which its tea has become known.
And there’s a Tick Tock to suit every age and
occasion – from the Original and Green Tea to
Earl Grey, Vanilla Chai, Honey, Lemon & Ginger
and even a wellbeing Detox Tea to restore and
renew both body and mind.
Find out more: www.ticktocktea.com
How much caffeine in your drink (approx mg)?
Starbucks
Fresh Filter coffee
Venti 569ml
Monster energy
500ml can
Filter coffee
mug
Instant coffee
mug
red Bull energy
Drink 250ml can
regular tea
cup
Diet coke
330ml can
coca-cola
330ml can
Decaffeinated
tea cup
Green tea
cup
Decaffeinated
coffee mug
rooibos tea
400 400 400 400 400 400
400
42 32 6 10 5 0
160 105 55 80 40
Make the perfect caffeine-free cuppa
Match the occasion Naturally caffeine free,
rooibos is ideal anytime – it’s the perfect cup
for those little ‘me’ moments, for the whole family,
and even at bedtime. And there’s a blend for
every occasion.
Use your favourite cup rational or not,
research shows that your daily brew tastes
better from your favourite cup or mug. The ritual is
as important as the tea itself.
Brew to taste Leave the teabag in freshly
boiled water for 2–4 minutes, or longer for
a stronger brew. unlike black tea, rooibos is
low in tannins, so it won’t go bitter if left to steep.
To each their own Smooth and full-bodied,
rooibos is a great alternative to ordinary tea.
It’s delicious with or without milk and sugar, with
lemon or as an iced tea.
Savour the moment Teapots are great,
but if you’re short of time, tea bags are just
the ticket. Whichever you pick, it’s
the act of stopping, slowing
down and savouring the
moment that’s important.
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