Thursday

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

• Discover what rejection therapy is

• Practicing empathy for better connections

• An essential vitamin for your kids

• What to know about existential anxiety

How Opening Ourselves to Rejection Can Be Helpful

“Rejection therapy” has inspired people on social media to share their journey in facing their fears of rejection by making requests that will likely result in a “no.”

It may sound crazy, but the idea is similar to a legitimate therapeutic practice called "exposure therapy."

While rejection therapy is not a form of therapy that licensed therapists practice, it’s very similar to exposure therapy, which professionals do recommend — and often do — with their patients.

Exposure therapy works by slowly and safely introducing your fear until you feel more comfortable with it. For example, if a person is really afraid of lizards, they might start by showing that person a photo of a lizard.

Then, they might work up to seeing some lizards at the zoo. Eventually, they might even feel comfortable holding a lizard after being exposed to them in safe environments.

Rejection therapy works similarly for people with social anxiety. However, it's important to note that exposure therapy is generally done in a controlled setting with a licensed professional. Rejection therapy, meanwhile, is more of a social trend or practice.

The idea with rejection therapy is that eventually, you’ll get used to — and even comfortable with — rejection.

If you're going to try "rejection therapy," be certain you don't put yourself in harm's way.

Some examples of things to consider include:

• Ask for something extra for your drink or meal (after you pay).

• Apply for a job you feel completely unqualified for.

• Go to a store and ask if they sell something you think they probably don't have (be sure to be respectful).

• Ask a cafe or restaurant to play a specific song or type of music.

The idea is that with these little rejections — and you may not always get rejected, which can make this fun — you become less afraid and embarrassed of being told "no."

Experts advise that those with severe social anxiety proceed with caution. If a person takes on too much too soon, it could set them back on their journey.

It’s okay to start small and do what works for you! Remember, if you try something and don't like it, that doesn't mean you have to stick with it.

How Practicing Empathy Can Help Us Form Better Connections

If you've ever been telling a loved one about a challenge you're going through but felt like they weren't understanding your point of view, you know how disconnecting this can feel.

On the flip side, there may have been times when we feel disconnected from someone else's story and simply can't understand them.

These situations can be really frustrating. However, empathy is a powerful tool that can help us see the other person's perspective and form a stronger connection.

Practicing empathy allows us to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and understand where they are coming from. Being empathetic means actively trying to see the situation from the other person’s perspective, not how you would feel or react in the given situation.

It's also about active listening and truly being present when someone shares their thoughts, feelings, or experiences with us.

This is very important when building relationships. When you’re empathetic, the other person feels as though you care about them, and they can trust you.

This is a transformative thing that can reduce conflict and build a more solid relationship foundation.

Healthy Children’s Vitamins, Zero Sugar Guilt

As parents, we all want our kids to be healthy and happy, and that starts with proper nutrition. But let’s face it—getting them to eat all the right foods can be a challenge. That’s why kids' vitamins are so important; they fill in the gaps in their diet to support growth, immunity, and overall well-being.

Hiya is a game-changer in the world of children’s vitamins. Unlike typical options that are loaded with sugar and unhealthy additives, Hiya is a superpowered chewable made with zero sugar and packed with essential nutrients from organic fruits and veggies. It’s perfect for picky eaters and helps support everything from immunity to brain function.

Plus, Hiya is non-GMO, vegan, and allergy-free, designed for kids 2 and up. The first order even comes with a fun, eco-friendly bottle that your child can decorate, and monthly refills ensure they’re always getting the nutrients they need.

At Note To Self, our kids love Hiya, and we love knowing they’re getting the best without the sugar. For a healthier choice in kids' vitamins, Hiya is the way to go.

We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/NOTETOSELF. This deal is not available on their regular website. Go to hiyahealth.com/NOTETOSELF and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.

What to Know About Existential Anxiety

There are so many things that can trigger anxiety — from real-life perceived threats to thoughts that cause worry. Anxiety is totally normal — but it can be challenging.

Existential anxiety is one type of anxiety that centers around the meaning of life, death, and our existence in general — and what may or may not come afterward.

It's totally normal to have thoughts and concerns about the unknown. However, existential anxiety occurs when these thoughts feel out of control or impact your daily quality of life.

Traumatic events or large-scale crises can trigger this kind of worry. However, even "doomscrolling" (continually scrolling through negative content, whether intended or not) or day-to-day stresses can cause us to feel a looming sense of dread.

Some simple ways to work through existential anxiety include:

• Chat with a loved one.

• Journal about your feelings, and ask questions surrounding why you are feeling that way.

• Remind yourself of what you can — and can't — control.

• Take a break from social media.

• If you are really struggling, remember that professionals are there to help.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Around 20%. While mental illnesses can feel very isolating, you're not alone if you struggle with mental health!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Rejection can be scary — but it's something everyone experiences!

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]!