Sunshine makes our world go round!
In Dorset we are proud to say that we receive 364 more hours of sunshine a year compared to other areas of the UK. We think that is quite an achievement! Perhaps this could be linked to the happiness levels reaching an all-time high in Dorset in 2019? Everyone is very aware of the fact that sunshine is important for our overall well-being, and it’s not just from that beautiful warmth we feel on our face when we’re basking in the sun. Read on to learn about the benefits of sunshine.
The wonderful serotonin
A dose here and there can help to boost our serotonin levels which can help raise energy levels as well as keep you calm, whilst helping you remain positive and focused. Studies show that lower serotonin levels may be a contributor to depression, anxiety, and other disorders such as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). So, in short, make sure you get out everyday for a little serotonin surge!
Sunlight fills us up with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also a vital part that plays in the importance of sunshine and it is said to have the following health benefits from just 15 minutes in the sun 3 times a week.
Helping with skin conditions. Exposure to rays of sunshine is said to help/treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne & jaundice. Of course, there is the issue of getting too much sunshine so ensure that when you are exposed to UV rays to ensure you have suitable sun cream on to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.
Arthritis. If you have heard from friends or family who struggle with Arthritis, some of them may say that when on holiday in a warmer climate, their symptoms ease. Some studies show that vitamin D and the association with sun and warmth can be beneficial.
Bone Health. Vitamin D is said to help with building strong bones. Rickets and osteoporosis have been associated with those who have low levels of Vitamin D.
Cancer. Too much sunlight can be linked to skin cancer but when in moderation, the Vitamin D from sunshine is said to reduce your chances of being diagnosed with certain cancers.
A few walks a week out in the sun might help achieve this!
The countdown is on for British Summer Time
Over the past year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been in and out of multiple lockdowns. During this time, being outside and with nature has become a highlighted importance to everyone. Being at home so much and only to be allowed out once a day for exercise has affected many people’s mental health. In the summer, lockdowns were easier to manage as you could get out in the evening after work, but with the winter lockdowns and working from home restricting your hours of daylight, many people are struggling to get the sunshine needed.
Well, the countdown to more sunlight is officially ON and we are now just a stone throw from British Summer Time. The evenings are getting longer, we are all looking forward to those extra hours of sunlight, the sunshine is getting warmer and hopefully normality is upon us. Times will get better from here!
A Cup of Sunshine
On days when the sun isn’t shining, our mantra is that sometimes we have to make our own sunshine by brewing a cup of Dorset Tea! Our range of delicious teas, from our black tea to our fruit, herbal & green teas, were inspired by the beautiful countryside of Dorset. Every “cup of sunshine” tastes as good as the sunshine makes us feel!
Many of you are Dorset locals that live and breathe the Dorset life, but many of you live elsewhere and have visited our beautiful county on holiday! We hope a cup of Dorset Tea transports you to that happy time, whether it was strolling along the Jurassic Coast, relaxing at Durdle Door, or visiting our lovely towns and villages.
Love the Sunshine, Love the Planet
Without sunshine, our teas wouldn’t grow. And without protecting the environment and the earth we share, we wouldn’t have such a good cuppa!
We love a good cuppa as much as we love the planet. It is an important aspect of the Dorset life: the ocean, the countryside, the wildlife, and the peace that nature can bring. Respecting and looking after our surroundings is an imperative part of Dorset Tea, that is why we have worked hard for the past few years to produce our range of teas in sustainable packaging.
The new paper we use for our tea bags is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and vegetable starch, it is 100% biodegradable and can be industrially composted, so just pop them in your food waste bin once you’ve made your cuppa. Our recyclable boxes have been specially designed so that we don’t need an inner foil or outer plastic to keep our tea bags fresh, in our sustainable packaging they will be as fresh and delicious as ever! As time and technology continues, we will always look at the next best option to keep us at the forefront of sustainable packaging.
We want to make a real difference to the environment and changing our tea bag paper isn’t the only thing we’ve done. We are proud supporters of the Marine Conservation Society, a registered UK charity, which is fighting for the future of our ocean. We want to help them in working towards the goal of a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean. For seas full of life, where nature flourishes and people thrive. To find out more visit www.mcsuk.org.
Our black tea which is used in our Sunshine Blend, is a premium mix of Assam, Kenyan & Rwandan tea. This premium black tea can be used as an everyday tea or breakfast tea. We source our black teas from 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms, meaning that the workers and farmers from these regions enjoy a better life, whilst helping protect their natural environment which is as important to them as it is to us. Find out more about the Rainforest Alliance here www.rainforest-alliance.org