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Thursday

"My energy is valuable, and I use it wisely."

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

• Daylight Saving Time tips

• What is immersive reading?

• Our favorite drink for relaxation

• The importance of emotional intelligence at work

• Learn AI in just 5 minutes

How to Survive Daylight Saving 2026

This Sunday, clocks spring forward at 2 a.m., and that lost hour can feel bigger than it sounds. The shift disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, hormones, hunger, and mood. Darker mornings and lighter evenings make the spring transition especially tough, often leaving people groggy and out of sync.

The easiest way to soften the blow is to adjust gradually. In the days leading up to the change, shift bedtime and wake time 15 minutes earlier each day. Morning light also helps anchor the body clock, while dimmer evenings (fewer screens, less bright light) make it easier to fall asleep.

After the switch, keep wake time consistent, even if it feels early. Sleeping in or napping can prolong the adjustment. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep and prioritize solid sleep hygiene: a cool room, limited caffeine late in the day, and a wind-down routine.

Morning sunlight and gentle movement can speed things up. A short walk or simply opening the blinds signals to the brain that it’s time to be alert. Most people adjust within about a week, especially with a little preparation.

The Reading Hack That Actually Works

If reading before bed sounds good in theory but somehow turns into scrolling, immersive reading might help. The idea is simple. Read a physical book while listening to the audiobook at the same time. It feels a bit like watching a movie with subtitles.

This dual input can make it easier to focus, especially after a long day. When your eyes glaze over, the narrator keeps the momentum going. When your mind drifts, the page brings you back. It lowers the effort barrier that often makes reading feel harder than it should.

To try it, set yourself up well. Good lighting, a comfortable spot, headphones, maybe a drink nearby. Press play and follow along. Adjust the speed if you need to.

If finishing books has felt frustrating lately, this is a low pressure way to ease back in. No willpower battle required.

This Is How Winter Is Supposed to Taste 🍸✨

Winter doesn’t have to feel heavy or indulgent in ways that don’t serve you. It’s a season to slow down, feel grounded, and still savor the ritual of a beautiful drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to winter sipping.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.

It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass on a cold evening. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.

Winter isn’t about cutting back. It’s about choosing what feels good. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.

Get 10% off for life

Thank you to Pique Life for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Emotional Intelligence at Work

Most workplaces still reward IQ over EQ. But emotional intelligence is often what determines whether teams thrive or quietly burn out. At work, there is no built-in emotional safety net. There is no shared history or automatic goodwill. That makes awareness and empathy essential.

Emotional intelligence rests on four skills. Self-awareness means recognizing your emotions and how they influence decisions. Self-management is the ability to regulate reactions and adapt. Social awareness involves reading the room and sensing what others feel. Relationship management is about handling conflict, inspiring others, and staying steady under stress.

Small shifts matter. Listen without rehearsing your response. Begin criticism with appreciation. Ask for help when needed. Pay attention to your instincts about tension or morale.

Emotional intelligence does not mean being overly personal. It means being attuned. When people feel understood, cooperation improves, trust grows, and work becomes less about survival and more about contribution.

Become An AI Expert In Just 5 Minutes

If you’re a decision maker at your company, you need to be on the bleeding edge of, well, everything. But before you go signing up for seminars, conferences, lunch ‘n learns, and all that jazz, just know there’s a far better (and simpler) way: Subscribing to The Deep View.

This daily newsletter condenses everything you need to know about the latest and greatest AI developments into a 5-minute read. Squeeze it into your morning coffee break and before you know it, you’ll be an expert too.

Subscribe right here. It’s totally free, wildly informative, and trusted by 600,000+ readers at Google, Meta, Microsoft, and beyond.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: The time change during Daylight Savings Time affects your sleep for up to 3 days. Your circadian rhythm takes time to adjust.

• 🌅 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: Your body will catch up. Give it time, space, and a little patience. Just because the clock changes doesn’t mean you have to.

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]!