Thursday

"I nourish my body with movement, sunshine, and joy."

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

• Why you should spend time in the sun

• Tips for keeping your body and mind cool

• An upgrade that adds value to your home

• Setting boundaries when you’re out of office

• Protect what matters most this season

• Our summer bucket list

The Surprising Benefits of Sunlight

While too much sun can be harmful, small doses of sunlight offer surprising health benefits. Just 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight each day can help your body produce vitamin D, crucial for bone health, immunity, and mood regulation. It also helps improve sleep by setting your body’s internal clock, especially if you get sunlight early in the day.

Sunlight has positive effects on mental health as well. Exposure to natural light boosts serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce stress and improve mood. It can also assist with weight loss, as morning sunlight may help control fat storage and encourage exercise.

However, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much sun increases the risk of skin damage, aging, and skin cancer. Protect your skin with sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the rays are strongest.

Protecting Your Mind and Body from Summer Heat

When temperatures soar, it’s not just your body that feels the heat—your mind can also suffer. Extreme heat can increase stress, irritability, and anxiety, making it harder to stay focused or calm. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay cool and support your mental health during these challenging conditions.

Hydration is essential—drinking plenty of water and replenishing electrolytes like sodium and potassium helps your body stay balanced and supports mental clarity. If you take medication, be sure to consult your doctor, as some drugs, like lithium, may not mix well with high temperatures.

Practical tips include wearing a hat, seeking shade, and cooling your head with water to regulate body temperature. Inside, cooling off with fans, cold compresses, or taking a cold shower can help reduce heat-related stress. Additionally, try indoor exercise or adjust your routine to avoid the midday heat.

Don’t forget to check in with friends, family, or neighbors, especially those who may be vulnerable to the heat. Staying prepared and proactive will help you keep your cool both physically and mentally during heat waves.

Thinking of Selling Your Home? This 1-Day Upgrade Adds Serious Value

Protect your home and increase its value in one afternoon. HomeBuddy connects you with trusted, no-middleman installers who fast-fit durable gutter guards over your current system. With a 100% no-clog guarantee and no-hassle pricing, it’s a smart move for any homeowner planning ahead.

Increase Your Home Value

Thank you to Homebuddy for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Out Of Office Boundaries to Set for Summer Vacation

Vacations are meant to recharge, but the constant pressure of staying connected to work can make it hard to truly disconnect. Setting clear boundaries before your trip is key to protecting your peace. Start by letting your manager know you’ll be fully offline while you’re away. This reduces any anxiety about being "on call" while on vacation.

Next, make sure your absence is clear on everyone’s calendar. Include details about who to reach for emergencies and clarify that you won’t be checking emails or attending meetings. This keeps work at bay and signals that you’re prioritizing rest.

Take control of your communication by setting firm out-of-office responses. Don’t soften your message with vague language—let others know that you’ll be unreachable during your time off. This gives you the freedom to be fully present without feeling the pressure to check in.

Once you’ve set these boundaries, stick to them. Don’t let work creep into your vacation—protect your peace and enjoy the time off you deserve.

Cut Costs. Not Corners.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Cold showers can improve circulation, boost alertness, and help you cool off faster in the heat.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You don’t have to do it all. There’s no prize for the busiest summer. Make space for stillness, spontaneity, and things that fill you up instead of wearing you out.

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]!