Wednesday

"I have the power to do the things I set my mind to."

Welcome to Wednesday! In today’s newsletter:

• How to find peace during the holiday season

• Ideas to make cooking holiday meals less stressful

• Why bamboo might save the world

• Celebrate the season through giving

How to Find Peace During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be busy, exciting, and at times, stressful. With so much going on in such a short amount of time, it can be overwhelming, to say the least.

As we remember the reason for this season, it’s a perfect time to find moments of peace.

Here are a few ways to embrace moments of calm:

• Schedule time for yourself: While this season is often full of time with friends and family, it’s important to also set aside time for ourselves! Whether you spend it doing something relaxing or exciting, this is the perfect way to enjoy some time for yourself.

• Listen to some calming music or a guided meditation: Embrace classical tunes, a soft guided journey, or something else that brings you peace.

• Embrace a quiet hobby: From knitting to puzzles, there are so many activities where you can sit with your thoughts. Light a candle, make a cozy drink, and set the mood. Plus, if you like to share your talents with others, you can even give your crafts as a gift!

• Reflect on what the season means for you: As we get caught up in the hectic goings-on of the season, we may forget what it means to us. Spend a few moments reflecting to yourself what you love about this time of year — even if you don’t celebrate a specific holiday — and practice gratitude.

How to Make Cooking Holiday Meals Less Stressful

Regardless of whether your holiday gathering is large or small, the pressure to make the perfect holiday meal can be real.

Especially if you have many different dishes, it can be a lot to tackle!

Here are a few ways to make it a more enjoyable experience:

• Recruit friends and family: While it may be difficult for some people to give up control over the kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity to practice asking for help. Even if you ask someone to peel potatoes, cut onions, or keep an eye on the stove, these tasks can free up mental space — and time!

• Opt for “no-cook” dishes: Cold salads, microwave-steamed veggies, and other alternatives take lots of the stress off your shoulders. Remember: There are no rules that say exactly how you must prepare a meal!

• Cook items in advance: Are there certain dishes you can cook ahead of time and either reheat later or throw in a crock pot all day? Mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, and other dishes may be stored for up to a few days, so not all of the cooking has to fall on one day!

• Opt for a potluck: Potlucks are a simple yet effective way to take things off your plate (while ensuring a full one, come mealtime)! This may also increase the variety of dishes you make, which can make meals more exciting!

This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — which means thousands of rolls can be produced in the time it takes for a single tree to grow back.

Even better? Code NTS30 will give new customers 30% off their first order for the next 24 hours.

Get started here.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Celebrate the Season Through Giving

One of the aspects many people love the most about this time of the year is showing love and appreciation to friends, family, and their communities through giving.

While we can absolutely give tangible gifts, there are so many other ways we can celebrate the season through this act!

For example, you can give the gift of your time to an organization you love and want to support. Or, you can share your talents and lend a helping hand to a neighbor.

If you want to give a tangible gift, consider something meaningful or helpful — like a homemade cookie mix in a jar, a handmade ornament, or a crocheted hat.

You can also give the gift of thanks. Take some time to let a loved one know what they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this season through giving, and it can have a positive impact that means the world to many!

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Meteorological winter begins on December 1, in line with weather patterns — even though the official start of winter isn't until December 21 or 22!

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out. Shop our gift guide here!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Lean into what makes you feel good this holiday season!

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]!