Friday

"I’m learning to enjoy the process more than the outcome."

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

• Why cooking is good for your well-being

• How to make cooking more fun

• How warranties can protect your kitchen

• Our top kitchen organization tips

• The app that helps you make healthy choices

Why Cooking at Home Is Good for Your Mind

Did you know that cooking can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health? Research shows that preparing home-cooked meals does more than nourish the body—it can boost your mood and reduce anxiety, too. Engaging with food can help shift your focus from stressors, grounding you in the present moment, and providing a sense of accomplishment.

Cooking offers a sensory experience that taps into creativity, which can be especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed by screen time or work-life boundaries. Plus, the nutrients in fresh ingredients—like omega-3s and leafy greens—are linked to better brain health, mood regulation, and overall happiness.

Baking, in particular, has a unique, meditative quality due to its structured nature. Measuring ingredients and following a precise process can feel calming and allow for focus. Whether you're cooking or baking, setting a mindful intention and organizing your space can make the experience even more therapeutic.

So next time you're feeling stressed, grab a cookbook, play some of your favorite music, and savor the therapeutic benefits of creating something delicious.

How to Make Cooking Feel Less Like a Chore

If cooking feels like a never-ending task, there are simple ways to ease the burden and bring joy back into your kitchen routine. First, ask for help around the house—whether it’s having someone else do the dishes or setting the table, involving family members can make a huge difference. Cooking together can even be a bonding experience, and if your kids are old enough, let them take charge of certain meals.

Changing the environment is another easy way to reduce the stress of cooking. Try listening to your favorite music or podcast while preparing meals, or enjoy a cup of herbal tea to help you relax as you cook. If the kids are around, consider making cooking time coincide with their screen time for some added peace.

Lastly, streamline the process by cooking more efficiently. Start with a clean kitchen, clean as you go, and use shortcuts like pre-chopped vegetables to save time. If possible, cook in bulk so you can enjoy meals for days without the extra effort. Cooking should feel satisfying, not overwhelming, and these tips can help you enjoy it again.

Go Beyond Homeowners Insurance with a Home Warranty

If you’re a homeowner, you know unexpected expenses are par for the course. One way to help shield your finances is to get a home warranty. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers natural disasters and theft, a home warranty could help safeguard you against costly repairs of eligible essential home appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. Check out Money’s list of the Best Home Warranties and take the sting out of appliance breakdowns.

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Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Simple Tips to Transform Your Kitchen Organization

Getting your kitchen organized can feel like a daunting task, but with a little planning and effort, it can lead to a much more enjoyable and functional space. The first step is to clear everything out. Remove all items from cabinets, drawers, and counters to get a fresh start. This also gives you a chance to clean thoroughly before you start reorganizing.

Once your kitchen is cleared, begin sorting through your items. Group similar items together and decide what needs to be kept, donated, or tossed. This is a great time to let go of duplicate items or appliances you rarely use. When placing items back in the kitchen, think strategically about their location. For example, keep everyday dishes near the dishwasher and pots and pans near the stove.

To maximize space, consider using vertical storage options like hooks or shelves. Clear containers and labels can help keep things neat, and adding simple organizers to drawers can prevent clutter. Remember, organization isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting your space to work best for you.

End the Cycle of Dieting—Noom Helps You Build Lasting Habits!

Tired of quick fixes that don’t work? Noom offers a proven, psychology-backed approach that helps you lose weight for good. With personalized coaching, daily support, and habit-building tools, Noom empowers you to make healthier choices and build lasting habits.

Noom’s program isn’t about restrictive diets—it’s about understanding your behavior and changing your habits. By combining psychology with technology and expert coaching, Noom helps you make smarter choices, stay motivated, and see real results.

What You Get with Noom:

• Personalized Plan tailored to your goals

• Coaching & Support to keep you motivated

• Food Logging with 1M+ items to track your progress

• Healthy Recipes to make eating well easy

• Interactive Lessons to teach you about weight loss, mindful eating, and more

• Activity & Health Tracking with device syncing

• Community Support from others on the same journey

• Maintenance Mode for maintaining your goal weight Ready for lasting change? Take our 5-minute quiz to get your personalized plan and start your journey toward sustainable weight loss.

Take the Quiz and Unlock your free 14 day trial

1. Based on a sample of 4,602 Noomers.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Baking relies on precise measurements, while cooking is often more forgiving.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Cooking isn’t about perfection. Even a humble recipe can feel like a reset when you slow down and enjoy the process.

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]!