Nicole Bensen

the Tea Time blog

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Nicole Bensen Permission Slip for Mental Health

Have you been waiting for permission to put your wellbeing first? Well here you go. Permission granted.

I tried a simple, 30-day anxiety experiment to reduce my anxiety and create better mental health. It worked.

Have you gotten any yet? The notes that say, “We’re halfway through the year, where are you with your resolutions?”  I shared back in January that I’m not big on resolutions; I like MVEs, minimum viable experiments. These are tiny micro nudges toward progress, and I encourage you to make these tiny goals whether you’re […]

The subject line: “Congratulations! The SVBJ wants to name you a Woman of Influence this year.”  My first thought: “This must be a mistake. The Silicon Valley Business Journal has no idea who I am.” Then: “This is probably one of those clickbait subject lines where they’re just inviting me to APPLY to be considered.” […]

Someone asked why this weekly note to you is called “Tea Time,” and since I recently went to a cute* tea place, it’s the perfect time to explain. I’ve always enjoyed the fancy fun a tea party brings—dressing up and donning a feather fascinator (I’ve been known to wear a fascinator on a random day, […]

When I was a kid, my school had candy bar fundraisers.   Did you ever have to go door-to-door selling something, or stand outside Target asking people, “Hi, would you like to buy a candy bar for a dollar?” (Side question: have candy bar prices not changed in 30 years, or were we just charging a […]

When I saw this tow truck pulling a fire truck a couple of weeks ago, the first thought that popped into my mind was, “Even rescuers need rescuing.” Who are you a “rescuer” for? You might be a caregiver to kids, your parents or in-laws, your work team, or even in a caregiving profession, like […]

Me: Should I get my tongue pierced first, or my belly button?Friend: Do them both!Me: Or should I do my ear cartilage?Friend: DO IT ALL! In my 20’s I loved riding my motorcycle, baking, cuddling my pets, meeting up with my friends for dinner at 9:00, and having conversations like the above. Present day me […]

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you’re currently living the life you’ve dreamt of…whatever that means to you. What would be different about your day? What would you prioritize? How would you spend your time? Your money? Your energy?  Here’s my challenge to you: Choose something you would do in your dream life […]

People who took photos in nature for a couple weeks straight felt happier and more connected with others and their environment.