First of all, this post isn’t about tea (the drink). So even if you’re a coffee-lover, you can benefit out of this one. However, if feeling overwhelmed is what got you here, then it’s beneficial to take a tea break. Or coffee, if that’s more of your thing.

The sort of T.E.A. here stands for Thoughts (Inner Processing), Emotions (Internal States), and Actions (External Behaviours). Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck is known as the father of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He proposed the idea of an interlink between our Thoughts, Feelings and Actions. So by changing one of the parts, we would inadvertently affect the others.

For example, Cortisol, which is a stress hormone, is necessary for human survival. However, there are negative results when a person’s cortisol level is consistently high over a long period of time. He becomes easily triggered (in thoughts and emotions), is increasingly reactionary (in his actions), and the prolonged condition can even lead to a critical illness (which affects the overall body).

In another example, the highest positive vibration on the body comes from the emotion of LOVE. The feeling (or emotion) of being loved encourages (our thoughts) and affects our actions by motivating us to give, grow, & contribute to other people around us. Care, appreciation, recognition, respect, & trust are some examples of expressed love in the workplace. Removing this emotion will negatively affect our thoughts (distrust, dissatisfaction with work) and cause our physical work to decline.

Therefore, by making a change in a person’s Thought life, we can affect their mood, heighten their emotions and thus motivate them into action. Ask yourself, “What is my strongest thoughts at this moment?” Whether in the workplace, social arena or at home, your strongest thoughts shapes your emotions and motivates your actions. Take for example, if you consistently tell yourself (or think) that you are overwhelmed, then the emotions associated to being overwhelmed (stress & anxiety) and the actions (or inaction ie. Breakdown) follows suit. Whereas if you tell yourself (or think) that this is merely a challenge to be overcome, and that you can conquer it over a period of time, then the emotions associated (hope, courage, confidence) and actions (breaking down the task to a manageable size – having an Action Plan helps) will eventually follow suit. 

Try it for yourself. Start changing your thought patterns, and observe how it changes your emotions & attitudes. Your strongest thoughts will determine your deepest emotions and greatest motivations. Here’s raising a cup of tea to your life of Breakthroughs!