People I encounter often get a kick out of the fact that, though my company is called Coffee Lunch Coffee, I don’t actually drink coffee! With that as the backdrop, through a series of events, I recently met Full-Leaf Tea Company‘s Abbie Lasota, who had the same reaction when I shared this irony with her. She enthusiastically insisted on sharing not only some of Full-Leaf Tea’s fabulous teas and tea accessories with me, but also on applauding me for my “healthy choices.”
Giving myself a self-indulgent pat on the head, here’s why I believe she is right to celebrate my tea obsession over coffee… As someone who’s built a career around fostering better workplace connections, I’ve discovered that the ritual of sharing a warm cup creates the same bonding magic whether it’s filled with coffee or tea or anything else, for that matter.
All that said, according to Abbie, when it comes to health benefits, tea offers compelling advantages that make it a smart go-to choice for both personal wellness and professional hospitality. Take these ideas into consideration:
- Tea provides sustained energy. Tea delivers a gentle, sustained energy boost thanks to an amino acid that promotes calm focus and works synergistically with tea’s natural caffeine to deliver alertness with a sense of calm – perfect for those important client meetings or creative brainstorming sessions where you need to stay sharp and composed.
- Antioxidant power supports overall wellness. Tea’s impressive antioxidant profile offers significant health benefits. Green tea’s properties support heart health and may boost metabolism. Black teas possess powerful compounds that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Even herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint deliver wellness benefits, from stress reduction to digestive support.
- Hydration supports cognitive function. For professionals managing busy schedules, tea’s hydrating properties offer a crucial advantage. Most teas help maintain fluid balance throughout the day, which translates to sustained energy and improved cognitive function during those crucial late-day decisions that can make or break a project.
- Quality matters more than you might think. Through my interaction with Abbie, I learned about Full-Leaf Tea Company’s commitment to organic, non-GMO products that are USDA certified. Founded by husband-and-wife team, Matt and Lisa Hammonds, in Southern Oregon, the company has evolved to offer over 200 products that prioritize both quality and wellness. When Abbie sent over their elegant glass teapot with infuser, a beautiful tea cup, and some of their signature blends, I noted how much the brewing experience itself contributes to mindful moments in a hectic workday.
- Small changes lead to big impacts in workplace wellness. Transitioning from coffee to tea, or simply mixing it up, doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle overhauls. Start with breakfast teas that offer familiar caffeine levels, then explore green teas for afternoon focus, and wind down with herbal blends in the evening. The ritual remains the same while the benefits multiply. For workplace wellness, consider stocking your office with a variety of organic teas that accommodate every preference and dietary need, for yourself and your guests.
- Mindful beverage choices signal intentional leadership. Whether you’re hosting client meetings or catching up with colleagues, offering tea creates an atmosphere of mindfulness and care. It signals that you prioritize wellness – both your own and that of the people you’re connecting with. Choosing tea demonstrates intentionality about how we fuel our professional relationships.
The irony of Coffee Lunch Coffee isn’t really ironic at all. It’s about creating spaces for meaningful connection, regardless of what’s in the cup. But when that cup happens to contain thoughtfully sourced, wellness-focused tea, the conversation – and the health benefits – become that much richer. Sometimes the best professional advice comes from unexpected sources, and Abbie’s enthusiasm for my tea choices reminded me that healthy habits and successful relationships often go hand in hand.
Happy Networking!