andmake a cuppa – but take note,while the caffeineboost of a strong coffee might be tempting, itmight not be the best solution. Researchersclaim that caffeine can actually contributeto stress and poor performance.

The expert viewProfessor Peter Rogers from theUniversity of Bristol has spent yearsresearching why caffeine is ourfavourite stimulant and whether itreally helps us as much as we think.“Tea and coffee are enjoyed in a variety

of contexts, but caffeine is valued mainlyfor its alerting effects,” he says. ProfessorRogers explains that morning alertness in caffeineconsumers before they have had their first cup oftea or coffee has been shown to be lower (anddrowsiness and tiredness higher) than that rated atthe 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 onsimple tasks where continuous monitoring isrequired, 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 anormal level of functioning.And while it does this,caffeine also raises blood pressure and increasesanxiety, he adds.

What’s the alternative?Most of us would like to feel less anxious,experience better quality sleep, and be more alertor productive at work. But many people worrygiving up caffeine will make them feel worse, notbetter. Professor Rogers says the evidence is to thecontrary: “After a week (or a bit less) of caffeineabstinence, former caffeine consumers come toresemble non-consumers in their waking and day-time levels of alertness and performance.”

Did you know that a caffeine habit could actually makeyou feel more tired in the long run? If you rely on a cup oftea or coffee to get going each day, switching to naturallycaffeine-free rooibos tea could make a real difference

Make time forTick Tock Tea

No matter how much you love your job,teaching is hard work,which is why it is nosurprise to learn that three in five secondary

school teachers say their work has suffered as aresult of mental health problems, according toresearch by Teacher Support Network Group.In a recent poll by the education charity, 91 per

cent said they suffered from stress, 74 per centanxiety and 49 per cent depression, while 60per cent said their performance suffered and 72 percent said they lost confidence as a result.The 846 secondary school teachers polled also

reported widespread symptoms including problemssleeping (87 per cent), headaches (69 per cent) andlack of concentration (61 per cent).Though there is not a simple solution to these

problems, just a five-minute break from your hecticday can make quite a difference. Put on the kettle

How caffeine works

The average cup of tea drunk in the UK containsabout 40 mg of caffeine, whereas instant coffeecontains about 55 mg and filter coffee containsabout 105 mg of caffeine.

After drinking tea, coffee, or another caffeine-containing drink, caffeine is distributed rapidlythroughout the body, reaching its highestconcentration in blood and brain within30–40 minutes. Caffeine and its metabolitesare then gradually eliminated from the body,mainly in the urine.

For adults, the elimination half-life of caffeine isaround three to six hours,

although this is longerduring pregnancy and

shorter in smokers.

Source: ProfessorPeter Rogers,

University of Bristol

“Due to stress/anxietysymptoms I experiencedlast year, I have given up coffeecompletely (I tried decaf butdidn’t like the taste). Strangely,I’ve found that I don’t misscoffee at all.”

Miss L, primary teacher, Kent

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Sowhat can you chooseto drink instead for yourprecious moments torecharge in the schoolday? Why not try rooibos(pronounced ‘roy-bosh’) tea?Anecdotal evidence says that

rooibos (also known as ‘redbush’) has soothingproperties,helping drinkers to relax, and it is valuedfor its antioxidant content.The rooibos tea plant ispart of the pea and bean family and has absolutelyno caffeine in its genetic make-up,making rooibostea a great substitute for people who like black teasbut want to cut their caffeine intake. It is also lowin tannin, which can give tea an astringent taste.With a full-bodied and naturally sweet flavour,

rooibos can be enjoyed with or without milk, andalso blends very well with traditional tea flavourssuch as bergamot – which is used in Earl Grey –and lemon and ginger.

Britain’s favourite rooibosNaturally caffeine-free, Tick Tock tea is a Britishfavourite – the distinctive red box can be found inkitchen cupboards across the country. Tick Tockcertainly knows a thing or two about rooibos. Thefamily has been growing and producing rooibosin South Africa’s Cedarberg Mountains for overa hundred years, ever since Grandfather BenjaminGinsberg first perfected the brew in 1903. Hisgrandson Bruce was the first to introduce the teato the British market in 1976. It’s this unbrokentradition and the expertise gathered over manydecades that allows Tick Tock to maintain the highlevels 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 toEarl Grey, Vanilla Chai, Honey, Lemon & Gingerand even a wellbeing Detox Tea to restore andrenew both body and mind.Find out more: www.ticktocktea.com

How much caffeine in your drink (approx mg)?

StarbucksFresh Filter coffee

Venti 569ml

Monster energy500ml can

Filter coffeemug

Instant coffeemug

red Bull energyDrink 250ml can

regular teacup

Diet coke330ml can

coca-cola330ml can

Decaffeinatedtea cup

Green teacup

Decaffeinatedcoffee mug

rooibos tea

400 400 400 400 400 400400

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 forevery occasion.

Use your favourite cup rational or not,research shows that your daily brew tastes

better from your favourite cup or mug. The ritual isas important as the tea itself.

Brew to taste Leave the teabag in freshlyboiled water for 2–4 minutes, or longer for

a stronger brew. unlike black tea, rooibos islow 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, withlemon 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’sthe act of stopping, slowingdown and savouring themoment that’s important.

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