Cultivating Workplace Wellbeing With Cacao
With the festive season looming on the horizon, the normal hustle and bustle of the workplace can feel especially demanding, and managing stress levels and overwhelm can becoming increasingly difficult.
The stress toll on our mental health is undeniable, making it important to explore natural and innovative ways to manage the pressure and make time for self-care. One way that's been gaining attention for its calming properties is the ancient practice of drinking ceremonial-grade Cacao.
The Workplace Stress Epidemic
Workplace stress has become an all-too-familiar complaint in most businesses. According to recent studies, a staggering number of people are experiencing stress-related issues at work that is impacting productivity and overall well-being.
74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
One in 14 UK adults (7%) feel stressed every single day.
1 in 5 people in the UK feel stressed more days a month than they don’t.
51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed and 61% reported feeling anxious.
The Power of Ceremonial-Grade Ritual Cacao
There exists a hidden drink that has been used for centuries in sacred rituals, as a medicine for human mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing — Cacao.
But not just any Cacao; We're talking about ceremonial-grade Ritual Cacao, a powerful Plant Medicine that is way more powerful than your average chocolate fix. Rich in compounds that are perfectly aligned to human health and wellbeing, ceremonial-grade cacao offers the highest levels of flavanoids, bliss molecules, antioxidents, minerals and binds directly with the feel good receptors in our brain, positively influencing our mood, and reducing stress, and anxiety.
Benefits of Cacao for Mental Health
Ritual Cacao offers a unique approach to workplace well-being because our cacao is the perfect remedy for a balanced and stress-free work life.
Let’s dive into the science behind Cacao's impact on our health and wellbeing.
Ceremonial-grade Cacao contains the following that all support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing;
1. Caffeine: a natural stimulant found in cacao that can enhance mental alertness and physical performance, but without the spike and crash of coffee.
2. Theobromine: a bitter alkaloid that is similar to caffeine but less potent. It is known to have a mild stimulant effect and can also help to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the brain and heart.
3. Flavanols: a type of antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and enhance cognitive function.
4. Polyphenols: a group of compounds found in cacao that can also act as antioxidants and help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
5. Anandamide: a compound that is structurally similar to THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. Anandamide is known to have mood-enhancing effects and may contribute to the "feel-good" effects of chocolate.
6. Phenylethylamine (PEA): a compound that is also known as the "love drug" because it is released in the brain when people fall in love. PEA is found in small amounts in cacao and may contribute to the pleasurable effects of eating chocolate.
7. Magnesium: a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions and is found in high amounts in cacao. Magnesium can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
8. Mood Enhancement: The theobromine in Cacao stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. This natural mood enhancer can create a positive and uplifting atmosphere, countering the effects of stress and anxiety.
9. Cognitive Function: Anandamide, often referred to as the "bliss molecule," is another key component found in Cacao. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, contributing to improved cognitive function, increased focus, and heightened creativity—all valuable assets in a busy work environment.
Creating a Cacao Ritual in the Workplace
Even on the busiest of days you can feel loved up and blissed out with our Ritual Cacao Crumbles, and effortlessly enjoy a delicious cup of ceremonial-grade cacao in a matter of minutes.
Our Crumbles are so easy to make:
Just put 2-5 teaspoons of our Ritual Cacao Crumbles into a cup
Pour in a little hot water to mix the cacao into a paste.
Once the kettle has boiled, simply add the hot water to the cacao.
Add (plant based) milk, sweetener, and spices to taste.
Sip. Savour. Repeat
Intention-Setting: Once your hot chocolate brew is ready, give yourself 10-15mins to drink your cacao and set positive intentions for the day ahead. This mindful approach helps to create a mental space for focus, productivity, and wellbeing. Drinking ceremonial-grade cacao, as a daily practice, calms the stress and anxiety, helps focus on what you want to achieve, and offers a moment of calm and self-care in a chaotic world.
Incorporating Cacao into Daily Routines: Whether in a team meeting, or during a solo work session, a delicious cup of Ritual Cacao can become a grounding and centering ritual, fostering a sense of calm in the midst of workplace demands.
