Friday

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

-Aristotle

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

• The benefits of massages

• How aromatherapy can boost your mood

• Quiet your mind with this lavender-scented pillow

• Simple aromatherapy massage techniques

Not Just Relaxing—Massage Clears Your Mind

You know that blissed-out feeling you get before a massage even begins? That calm isn’t just in your head—it’s a neurological shift. Lying still in a quiet space actually helps your brain slip into mindfulness mode, where stress takes a back seat and your attention moves to the present moment.

Once the massage starts, things really kick into gear. The pressure of touch signals your brain to release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that not only boost your mood but also act like natural painkillers. They help ease muscle soreness and even accelerate healing after a tough workout.

Aromatherapy often plays a supporting role. Essential oils like lavender or grapefruit aren’t just for ambience—they can prompt your brain to release different neurotransmitters that promote calm, reduce pain, or enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Even your circulation gets a boost. The pressure of a massage helps move blood and flush out cellular waste, which may be why your body feels lighter and your mind clearer. Just 15 minutes of massage has been shown to increase alertness, like a brain rinse without the caffeine.

How Aromatherapy Can Boost Your Mood

Ever noticed how a whiff of lavender can help you feel less anxious or stressed? That’s not just a placebo—certain scents actually interact with your brain chemistry through techniques such as aromatherapy. By tapping into the power of scent, aromatherapy can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and elevate your mood naturally.

Take lavender, for example. As one of the most studied essential oils, it has been shown to help lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and promote emotional balance.

Other scents, such as citrus oils like grapefruit and sweet orange, can boost alertness and even encourage your brain to release natural pain relievers. These scent molecules travel through your nose and directly interact with the part of your brain tied to emotion and memory.

You don’t need a full spa setup to feel the effects. A few drops of oil in your shower, a diffuser on your desk, or even dabbing diluted oil on your wrists can help shift your mood.

The key is finding scents that work for you. Your brain's scent-memory link is personal, so while rosemary might make someone feel focused, it could remind you of your grandma’s kitchen. Both are valid.

Quiet Your Mind With This Lavender-Scented Pillow

Feeling stressed, anxious, or just off? We know that feeling: your body’s still, but your thoughts won’t stop moving. Surprisingly, in these moments, your nose might hold the key to peace.

Meet the Quiet Mind Lavender-Infused Weighted Pillow — a pillow that pairs the soothing scent of real dried lavender with Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), a proven technique to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Think of it as a calming ritual wrapped in a cozy hug.

Here’s how it works:

• Hug it, rest it on your chest, or lay it across your lap—this will signal to your body it’s safe to relax

• Breathe in the natural lavender scent—known to reduce stress and support emotional well-being

• Feel calmer, more grounded, and a little more like yourself again

Whether you’re starting your day or winding down at night, the Quiet Mind Lavender-Infused Weighted Pillow offers a simple, natural way to shift your mood.

Take 20% off with code AROMA20 — but hurry, this offer expires in 30 days!

Feel the difference a quiet mind can make—see more here.

Thank you to Quiet Mind for sponsoring Note To Self. 

DIY Aromatherapy Massage That Actually Works

If your shoulders are climbing up toward your ears again, it might be time for a little DIY aromatherapy massage. No spa trip required—just a comfy chair, some oil, and your hands.

Start with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba. Add a few drops of essential oils depending on what you need—lavender or chamomile if you’re tense, grapefruit if your energy’s dragging, or bergamot for a boost of calm focus. Warm it up between your hands before you start.

Your scalp is a sneaky place for stress to hide. Use slow, circular motions like you're shampooing your hair. Then move to your neck and shoulders: light pressure with your fingertips or even a tennis ball rolled against the wall can work wonders.

Don’t forget your legs—long, gentle strokes from ankle to thigh help get blood flowing. You can even ease cramps with a clockwise belly massage using oils like marjoram or geranium.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. You’re not auditioning to be a massage therapist—just giving your body a chance to breathe a little easier.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False? True. Blue light and notifications disrupt your brain’s natural wind-down process. Keeping devices away helps signal your body that it’s time to rest, not scroll.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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! 

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]!