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š Can gift giving be self-care?
Thursday 11/13: Sponsored by Gift Guide - find purpose, gift giving, garden frost
Thursday
"Itās okay to say no and protect my energy."
Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:
Finding your purpose
Why gift giving can be self-care
Prepping your garden for winter
True or False?
Giving gifts can lower stress hormones.
Scroll for the answer!

How to Find Your Purpose in Everyday Life
Finding your purpose doesnāt mean you need to overhaul your life. Itās often about tuning in to what already fulfills you and noticing what feels meaningful day to day. Start by giving your time or skills to something that helps others, reflecting on what excites you, or paying attention to what people often thank you for. These small clues can reveal what gives your life direction.
Research shows that having a sense of purpose supports both mental and physical health, helping reduce stress and even improving longevity. But itās not about chasing a single passion or achievement. Purpose can shift and expand over time, growing alongside you.
If youāre feeling lost, take it one step at a time. Explore new interests, have deeper conversations, and spend time with people who uplift you. The more you engage with what brings you energy and meaning, the clearer your purpose becomes, and the more grounded and content youāll feel in your everyday life.


Why Giving Might Be the Best Gift for You
Gift giving isnāt just about making someone else smile; it can actually make you feel happier, calmer, and more connected. Studies show that generosity activates the same parts of the brain linked to joy and reward, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Whether itās a thoughtful note, a small present, or your time, giving can improve mood, reduce stress, and even promote longevity.
Itās also one of the simplest ways to strengthen relationships. Choosing a gift encourages empathy, reflection, and gratitude, helping you feel closer to the people you care about. And that sense of connection often inspires more kindness in return.
So while itās easy to focus on what to buy this season, remember that the real gift might be the act itself. The science is clear. Being generous doesnāt just brighten someone elseās day; it can brighten yours, too.


The Gifts Worth Giving This Year
If your holiday shopping list is creating unwanted stress, weāve got you. From cozy favorites to self-care (and even a few pet finds), these gifts are guaranteed wins for everyone on your list:
š„© Paleovalley ā Healthy stocking stuffers, reimagined. 100% Grass Fed Beef Sticks made from regenerative farms and real ingredients. Get 15% off your order.
š² Upway ā Give the gift of movement. Certified e-bikes from top brandsāinspected, UL-certified, and up to 60% off. Shop Black Friday deals now.
š¦ Arms of Andes ā Outdoor apparel made from 100% Alpaca fiberānaturally breathable, soft, and sustainably crafted. See the full Alpaca collection here.
š¶ Lazarus Naturals ā Their Dog Wellness Bundle supports calm, digestion, and overall health with all-natural CBD tinctures and chews. Use code DAILYDIG20 for 20% off.
š§āāļø DudeRobe ā The hoodie-inspired robe made for real life, with modern design details and unmatched comfort. Get 15% off sitewide with code REVEL15.
š Embark ā The perfect gift for dog lovers: a Breed + Health Test that reveals your pupās DNA, health insights, and even relatives. Shop Embarkās holiday sale today.
š¬ļø Winix ā Cleaner air made easy. Their HEPA purifiers capture 99.99% of allergens and odors, so every breath feels fresher. See Winixās options here.
Looking for more inspiration? Shop our full Revel Gift Guide here.

How to Prep Your Garden for Winter
When the first frost arrives, your plants only have a short window to prepare. Garden experts say your number one task is to clear out debris, dead leaves, and fading annuals before cold weather sets in. This simple cleanup step helps prevent pests and disease from spreading, improves soil health, and gives perennials the best chance to survive winter.
After clearing the beds, apply mulch around perennials and trees to insulate roots from sudden temperature drops. A 2 to 4 inch layer of shredded leaves or straw works best, but keep it a few inches away from the plantās base to prevent rot. Then, water deeply one last time and winterize your sprinkler system before the ground freezes.
Finally, clean and store your garden tools so theyāre ready for spring. With a bit of prep now, your garden will wake up stronger and healthier when the frost melts away.


The Pause
Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Note To Self editors.
30 Second Reset: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat once. Notice how your body feels.

Wellness Round-Up

A Note From Us
If your holiday shopping list is creating unwanted stress, weāve got you. From cozy favorites to self-care (and even a few pet finds), these gifts are guaranteed wins for everyone on your list. Shop our full Revel Gift Guide here.

Parting Thoughts
ā True or False: True. Acts of generosity can reduce cortisol and promote well-being.
š Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautifulātheyāre 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!
š Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Let your gifts reflect who you are, not who you think you need to be. Authenticity is more memorable than extravagance.

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