In this soul-refreshing solo episode, Erica invites us to reconnect with one of the most underrated and powerful tools for wellbeing: play. Not play for productivity. Not play to impress. But the kind of spontaneous, joyful, unapologetic fun that reminds us what it means to feel alive.

She shares two vivid personal stories, from racing down a sunlit hill on the Isle of Wight to turning a petrol station mishap into an unforgettable family night filled with trolley races and bargain flowers. These stories serve as gentle reminders that some of the most joyful moments in life are unplanned and unpolished.

You’ll also be guided through a simple Tea Routine designed to reintroduce playfulness into your daily ritual. This episode is your permission slip to let go, laugh more, move freely, and rediscover what lights you up, no justification required.

In this episode, you'll discover:

* Why adults often forget how to play

* How play impacts burnout, creativity and connection

* A personal story that sparked Erica’s belief in joyful spontaneity

* A light-hearted Tea Routine to bring more play into your day

* A powerful mindset shift: play as presence, not performance

Tea Routine Mentioned:

While the kettle boils, put on a song that makes you want to move. Let your body sway or bounce. As your tea brews, breathe in the aroma and ask, “What would feel playful today?” Sip slowly. Let your thoughts drift into possibility.

Resources & Links:

* Sign up to our free newsletters:→ The Tea Mind – weekly Tea Routines for reflection and joy→ eteaket – tea blends and recipes for seasonal inspiration

Join the Conversation:

What does play look like for you this week? When did you last feel that lightness? Share your story in the comments or tag us on socials. Talking about joy helps create more of it.

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

When was the last time you truly paused?Not a scroll break. Not a flick through your to-do list.A real pause.One where your shoulders drop, your breath slows and you are fully present.

In this episode, Erica explores why we confuse distraction with rest and how a simple tea ritual can bring you back to yourself.You’ll learn how to create a short pause that calms your nervous system and resets your focus using your kettle and your breath.

This isn't about more time. It's about deeper moments. Presence is possible in three minutes.

What You'll Learn

* Why we confuse stimulation with rest

* The cost of staying in go-mode

* A simple Tea Pause ritual for calm and clarity

* The science behind box breathing and L-theanine in tea

* How small moments shift how you show up in life

Mentioned in This Episode

* The Tea Mind Practice

* Box Breathing Technique (4-4-4-4)

Try This

Pause with your tea. Just three minutes.No screens. No multitasking.Let your breath and a warm mug bring you back.

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

If your brain feels like it has 47 open tabs and they’re all playing different music - this one’s for you.

In this episode, we dive into the mental chaos that comes from carrying too much in our heads. From forgotten to-do lists to emotional voicemail replays from years ago, we explore how overwhelm isn’t caused by having too much to do, but by trying to hold it all.

You’ll learn about the power of a 3-minute Tea Mind Clear-Out - a simple brain-dump practice paired with the calming ritual of making tea. You don’t need more time. You need more space. And that starts here.

What We Cover:

* Why your brain is not a storage unit (and never was)

* How mental clutter drains your energy, focus, and calm

* A simple Tea Routine to offload overwhelm in 3 minutes

* The surprising science behind "cognitive offloading"

* The difference between presence and productivity

* Three powerful journal prompts to deepen your clarity

Journal Prompts to Try:

* What thoughts or emotions need to be released today to make space for something better?

* What’s occupying your mental space that hasn’t earned the right to be there?

* Of everything swirling around, what’s one small, kind step you can take next?

Your Tea Mind Clear-Out Routine:

* Put the kettle on.

* Grab pen and paper (scrap is fine).

* Set a timer for 3 minutes.

* Write down everything in your head - unfiltered, unedited, unjudged.

* Burn it, bin it, or just let it go.

By the time your tea’s brewed, your mind will be lighter.

Resources:

* “The Organized Mind” by Daniel J. Levitin – Explores how externalising information helps our brain function better.

* Mel Robbins Podcast: Make Decisions without Overthinking clip

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.