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Tea as therapy: How daily rituals boost mental health
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Thursday, 27 August, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Parimal Shah
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Tea has always been a major part of Indian households for ages, and while many people simply see it as a morning ritual, for some individuals, it goes beyond a hot drink that gives a sense of calm in the chaotic mind. It might be hard to believe, but this ritualistic beverage acts like a therapeutic partner for people across different groups. From the gentle boiling of the water to the slow simmering of the ingredients, and that first peaceful sip, the whole experience helps unwind and offer a calming escape from the stress of the hustle and bustle of life. At that time, the monotonous beverage feels less like a drink and more comfortable, which makes life a little brighter.
India is the second-largest producer of tea, covering approximately 83 percent of consumption within the domestic market. Even after constituting a large share of the market, people often regard it based on its taste, but in reality, this traditional drink can do more than that. Especially when things get too much at work and deadlines surround you from every possible direction. Even a short tea break may act as a reset button. The little period of waiting, sipping and stepping away from the demanding daily routine may reduce pressure and allow the body to function smoothly. This process of calming the mind is one of the main reasons why it is a staple drink of Indian households.
As people are significantly shifting towards a health-conscious lifestyle, their drinking habits are seeing a transition to more wellness-focused beverages. With the growing preference for botanical and functional ingredients, consumers are becoming more mindful of their everyday beverage choices and paying closer attention to the overall well-being of their mood and focus.
This change is closely tied to a larger lifestyle movement in which people are trying to build healthier routines in small, practical ways. Herbal blends, green teas, and lighter brews are increasingly becoming part of everyday wellness habits because they offer a sense of comfort without feeling sluggish.
The shift becomes even more important in the context of India’s growing mental health concerns. An industry note citing NIMHANS data states that 10.6 percent of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, while 70 percent to 92 percent of individuals do not receive proper treatment. As a result, small rituals that provide even a bit of peace and calm to the mind are gaining relevance. While tea may not be the answer to mental illness, it is becoming a part of more mindful and healthful lifestyles for many consumers.
The changing tea preferences among modern drinkers are not limited to the use of functional ingredients, but are also reflected in their brewing habits. Earlier, hot beverages were consumed in large quantities as part of a fixed morning routine, but this age-old ritual is evolving with new generations, as they are paying attention to preparation style, regarding it as a more mindful practice.
Instead of gulping down a cup as quickly as possible, consumers are experimenting with slower, more wholesome styles of preparation. Nowadays, the involvement of selecting ingredients and waiting for a cup to be ready is being perceived as therapeutic by many. Not just this, in wellness spaces, tea is now considered a self-care act similar to journaling, meditating, or mindful eating.
Tea works best as therapy when it becomes part of your daily routine. Drinking a cup at the same time every day can encourage people to slow down and take a mindful break from work and stress. That is why consumers, specifically in India, are starting to view this daily brew in a new light and value it beyond its traditional uses and benefits. Although tea might be therapeutic for some individuals, it is important not to present these traditional beverages as a fix for everything. Rather, understand how your everyday habits can aid emotional health.
(The author is founder at Cherise India)
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