Campus Dining Today Spring 2021 - 35

Mindful Practices:
Tea'd Up for A
Better Student
Experience
It goes without saying the global pandemic
of COVID-19 has significantly changed the
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social behaviors throughout the country and
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the world. We are all adjusting to a " new
norm " during these unprecedented and
uncertain times. For many college students
facing a university experience like never before, the adjustments have
been understandably difficult. Recent studies1 show there has been
a significant rise in mental health problems2. The isolation of virtual
learning and limited social events during the pandemic are taking a toll.
Because of this, health advocates and providers are urging colleges to
support those struggling students through tactical health programs.
Amanda Caswell

new way to handle their stress and anxieties
through meditation.
The UW-M staff was equally impressed and
supportive of the program. Peter Testory, director of
Dining & Culinary, UW-Madison Division of University
Housing said, " This academic year has been tremendously
difficult for students for a long list of reasons. We are
happy to partner with Teatulia to assist in educating our
students on the numerous benefits of tea and how it can
assist in the overall quality of mental health during these
difficult times. "
Although all classes could attend, the majority of those
currently living on campus are freshmen and sophomores.
Most students admitted they had never participated
in meditation before, nor had they ever considered it
as a way to handle their feelings of anxiety, stress, and
loneliness.
The activity choices were as follows:

In an effort to engage students grappling with the immense amount
of time spent isolated in their dorm rooms, Teatulia is partnering with
universities with a focus on helping students discover the benefits of
tea and mindful practices of yoga and meditation. The instructors take
students of all ages and levels on a zen journey with an introduction to
yoga, tea brewing, and mindful meditation.
The first program kicked off at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
(UW-M) this past February. Students were given the opportunity to
pick up a tea activity packet and attend a mindful experience through
meditation, yoga, and tea. With attendance nearly maxed out at the
event, it has become overwhelmingly obvious this program is now a
crucial part of college life.
When asked about the experience, one student responded, " Thank
you and the rest of Teatulia for putting on an amazing program for us
tonight! I was so impressed by Teatulia's ethics, community outreach,
and environmental advocacy. You guys are doing great work, and you
definitely made my night a lot more enjoyable. " Other similar responses
included, " I really enjoyed just taking the time to take a break from my
homework, " and " I feel like I better understand how tea can benefit my
health and wellbeing. "

Teatulia was extremely happy with the results of this
premier program. Although they hoped the gender split
would be more even, they are extremely happy to see
such high interest. Going into the event, Teatulia was
uncertain all three activities could be done in just 30
minutes, but were impressed at the speakers' ability to
deliver effective messaging. Teatulia is lucky to have
a robust team that includes yoga instructors and a
meditation guide.
Teatulia is looking forward to bringing more events to
their university partners and demonstrating the great
effects to their student body. At the time of this article
going to print, Teatulia will have wrapped an event in
partnership with Mediterranean Diet Round Table at
Yale University.

With a turnout of 88 percent female (more likely to struggle with
depression) and 12 percent male, the program helped students take a
step back, relax, and focus on their wellbeing.
From the post-survey responses, Teatulia proved they met their goal of
bettering the lives of students. The students loved the zen experience,
saying they felt they had a new way to manage stress and have become
more aware of the many health benefits of tea. Students were given a

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/11/
students-great-need-mental-health-support-duringpandemic
https://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/132934543/depressionon-the-rise-in-college-students
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Tea' d Up | CAMPUS DINING TODAY

35
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/11/ https://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/132934543/depression
Campus Dining Today Spring 2021

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