Monday

"I give myself room to think quietly."

Welcome to Monday! Today, we're chatting about:

• An intimidation list for work

• The truth about silent retreats

• How to teach good money habits

• A 90-second habit for productivity

• This gummy makes it easier to get your greens

A Gentle Exercise for Career Confidence

Some career stress stays vague until it’s written down. An intimidation list is a simple way to make those blurry fears more concrete and manageable.

Start by listing the work moments that feel intimidating. This might include speaking up in meetings, asking for a raise, applying for a new role, or giving honest feedback. Then add a second column and write why each one feels uncomfortable. Often the fear underneath is less about the task and more about judgment, failure, or being seen.

Seeing these patterns on paper can be grounding. It shifts the feeling from “something is wrong” to “this is what’s actually holding me back.” That clarity makes it easier to choose a small next step, like practicing the conversation, setting a timer to begin, or asking one question instead of avoiding it entirely.

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear. It’s to understand it well enough that it stops quietly running the show.

Why Silent Retreats Are Growing in Popularity

Silent retreats are growing in popularity, especially among women looking for a break from constant mental and emotional noise. What surprises many participants is that silence does not immediately feel peaceful. Instead, the absence of distraction often brings internal thoughts and emotions into sharper focus.

Without phones, conversations, or busy schedules, days are structured around quiet activities like sitting, walking, and eating in silence. This simplicity can feel uncomfortable at first, particularly for women used to managing work, family, and social expectations. That discomfort is often part of the experience.

Over time, many participants report feeling more grounded and present. With fewer demands and no pressure to perform, senses tend to sharpen and priorities become clearer. Small details stand out, and attention shifts inward without judgment.

While silent retreats are not effortless, many women leave feeling calmer and more connected to themselves. The quiet creates space to reflect, reset, and return to daily life with a steadier sense of clarity.

Help Your Kid Build Smart Money Habits Early

If you have a kid between 6 and 12, you can start teaching them smart money habits right now with Cash App. Kids between 6 and 12 can now have a Cash balance, order a Cash App Card, and start saving, but they don’t get access to the app.* There are no subscription fees, and you control it all through your app and account.

Manage money together

• A Cash App Card designed by them: They get their own debit card to design, made by them, with you alongside. They can spend their allowance or money from chores, but you can set spending limits.

• 3.25% interest on savings: Kids can earn 3.25% interest and start building strong saving habits early.**

• Safe money transfers: You can choose up to 5 people who can send them money. They can't send money or buy stocks or bitcoin.

• Parent-controlled account: They can't log in on their own, and they don't need a phone. You control their account and see their activity.

Create Your Cash App Account Today

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. To view the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a teen or child, please visit the Sponsored Accounts section of the Cash App Terms of Service. *Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change.

Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring Note To Self. 

A Tiny Break That Boosts Productivity

Productivity culture often pushes constant motion, but brief pauses may be just as important as staying busy. A simple habit is gaining attention: taking intentional 90-second breaks to do absolutely nothing.

Instead of scrolling or multitasking, the idea is to let the mind wander. Watching light shift across a wall, following clouds, or simply staring into space gives the brain a chance to reset. These short moments of rest can support creativity, decision-making, and mental clarity.

The approach reframes rest as a form of recovery rather than lost time. Even a minute and a half can interrupt burnout and help ideas settle into place, especially during long or demanding days.

Because the breaks are short, they are easy to fit in anywhere. A few intentional pauses throughout the day may help work feel more focused, balanced, and sustainable without requiring major schedule changes.

Save big, up to 52% and stock up on Grüns

Enjoy up to 52% off Grüns Daily Greens. With 60 nutrient-rich ingredients, 21 vitamins and minerals, and 6g of prebiotic fiber, these convenient gummies help support energy, digestion, and immune health. Easy for daily routines and suitable for the whole family.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Short rest breaks can restore focus for up to 45 minutes. Recovery boosts attention.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You’re allowed to rest simply because you’re tired. Not everything needs to be earned.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!